More than a year after the Trump administration discontinued the program, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has reinstated a “Press 3” option to connect LGBTQ+ youth with targeted support services.
From September 30, people who call or text 988 can once again be contacted directly by counselors who are trained to support young LGBTQ+ people. The Lifeline is partnering with the following companies to offer Press 3 options starting in 2022 The Trevor Projecta nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide among queer and trans youth.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced last year From July 2025, it will “no longer isolate LGB+ youth services”. The common “T” in the acronym for “transgender” was conspicuously missing from the announcement. executive order Signed earlier that year, declaring that federal agencies could only recognize both genders. It is “immutable”.
Along with veterans, LGBTQ+ people, one of two groups known to be at higher risk of suicide, have the option of connecting with specially trained counselors when they call the 988 Lifeline. Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning or transgender More than four times more likely According to The Trevor Project, they are more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual, cisgender peers.
There are more than 1.3 million queer young people in the United States Use “Press 3” service From launch in 2022 until suspended in July 2025. 1.5 times the rate Peers in the general population were not affected by SAMHSA’s policy changes.
Bipartisan Health and Human Services Funding Act passed in January required Government reinstates LGBTQ+ youth support options.