CEC Blasts Trump, HHS for Ending 988 Hotline’s LGBTQI+ Support Services

July 17, 2025
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement after the Trump Administration ended the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQI+ people in crisis:

“Donald Trump’s cruelty knows no bounds. He has shown us time and time again that there is no low he won’t stoop to in order to attack those he perceives as ‘less than’ him. Ending 988’s specialized support services for LGBTQI+ people in crisis won’t cut costs—but it will cost lives,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As of today, LGBTQI+ people will no longer be able to receive the specialized support that 988 offered for LGBTQI+ people in crisis, despite bipartisan support.. To any LGBTQI+ people in crisis: know there are still specialized resources available to support you outside of 988. As Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I will keep working with our Co-Chairs and allies to restore 988’s LGBTQI+ specialized services and protect our community’s ability to access critical mental health resources.”


BACKGROUND
On July 17, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services officially ended the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized support services for LGBTQI+ callers. Over the last three years, 988 has had nearly 1.5 million LGBTQI+ contacts.

Removal of the 988 specialized services will decrease the number of counselors who are specifically trained to help address the unique needs of LGBTQI+ people in crisis. 

If you are an LGBTQI+ person in crisis looking for specialized services, you can contact:

  • The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678-678, or go online to https://chat.trvr.org/. Available 24/7.
  • Trans Lifeline: Call 877-565-8860. Available Monday-Friday, 1pm to 9pm (EST).
  • The LGBT National Hotline: Call 888-843-4564. Available Monday-Friday, 2pm to 11pm (EST) and Saturday 12pm-5pm (EST).
  • The LGBT National Youth Talkline (Ages 25 & Under): Call 800-246-7743. Available Monday-Friday, 2pm to 11pm (EST) and Saturday 12pm-5pm (EST).