Celebrities Unite to Protect LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Services
More than 100 celebrities have joined forces, signing an open letter urging the Trump Administration and Congress to maintain funding for the 988 Suicide & crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services. This plea comes in response to a leaked budget draft indicating potential cuts to the vital program.
The Looming Threat to Lifesaving Services
A budget draft, initially reported by The Washington Post in April, revealed the trump administration’s intentions to eliminate all funding for the federal program. These services provide crucial emergency crisis support to LGBTQ+ youth contemplating suicide,with the cuts slated to take effect october 1.
Did You Know?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
A United Front: Celebrities Advocate for LGBTQ+ youth
The Trevor Project has spearheaded a letter imploring lawmakers to preserve the program in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The letter boasts an impressive roster of signatories, including:
- Ariana Grande
- Pedro Pascal
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Gabrielle Union-Wade
- Dwyane Wade
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Dua Lipa
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Cara Delevingne
- Christina Aguilera
- Troye Sivan
- Alan Cumming
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Tove Lo
- Sophia Bush
- Josh hutcherson
- Jonathan Van Ness
- and many more.
This is about people, not politics. At a time of deep division, let this be something we as people can all agree on: no young person should be left without help in their darkest moment.Open Letter from Celebrities and The Trevor Project
The letter emphasizes the critical importance of these services, stating, Stripping away this lifeline leaves LGBTQ+ youth with the message that their lives are not worth saving. We refuse to accept that message.
The Stark Reality: LGBTQ+ Youth and Suicide Risk
The Trevor Project estimates that over 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. seriously consider suicide annually. Tragically, an attempt occurs at least once every 45 seconds. The LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, funded thru the Department of Health and Human Services, has provided over 1.2 million individuals with queer-inclusive crisis support. Government data indicates the 988 Lifeline has served more than 14 million people.
Pro Tip:
If you are feeling overwhelmed,remember that help is available. Reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or The Trevor Project for immediate support.
Increased Demand During Times of Uncertainty
The Trevor Project’s crisis services experienced a 33 percent increase in calls and messages
on the day of Trump’s inauguration compared to the preceding weeks.The following day saw a 46 percent increase compared to typical daily rates. This surge followed a record-breaking 700 percent
increase across the Trevor Project’s crisis lines on november 6, the day after the presidential election.
To every LGBTQ+ young person reading this: you are not alone. We see you. We value you. You have the right to feel safe, supported, and loved exactly as you are. You deserve access to life-saving services that honor your humanity. You may be hurting.You might potentially be scared. you may feel like no one hears you – but we do. We will keep showing up and speaking out. We will not stop fighting for you.Open Letter from Celebrities and The Trevor Project
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please utilize the following:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 free and confidential services.
- Trans Lifeline: Designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, reachable at (877) 565-8860.
- The Trevor Project Lifeline: For LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), call (866) 488-7386, chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or text START to 678678.
