In August 2019, the Federal Communications Commission proposed to Congress the need for a crisis hotline that would connect people to suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. On Oct. 17, 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 was signed into law, establishing 988 as a three-digit dialing code for at-risk individuals in crisis to reach out for support and suicide intervention.
When someone calls 988, they are prompted to press “1” to connect with the Veterans Crisis Lifeline, to press “2” to speak with a Spanish-speaking crisis counselor, or to press “3” to reach a specialized LGBTQ affirming counselor. Beginning in September 2022, individuals who pressed “3” (or who texted “PRIDE”) were transferred to The Trevor Project.
Patrick Wilson
The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 when a short film, Trevor, was to air on HBO. Trevor tells the story of a gay 13-year-old boy who attempted suicide after experiencing rejection and ridicule by his peers over his sexuality. The filmmakers realized viewers watching a film of this nature might be facing similar trauma and need a support line of crisis-management counselors. They discovered there was not a helpline available to support LGBTQ youth that focused on aiding people in crisis and suicide prevention.
The Trevor Lifeline became the first nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline, providing specialized services for LGBTQ youth and their families. Hence, when the 988 hotline was formed, the Trevor Project served as the sole provider for the pilot phase of servicing contacts reaching out for LGBTQ support.
Today, the Trevor Project is one of seven centers that make up the LGBTQ Youth Subnetwork of the 988 hotline, servicing nearly 50% of the contact volume. In 2024, the Trevor Project responded to more than 231,000 crisis contacts who reached out for help by dialing 988 (about 46% of the 500,000 total contacts last year alone). In return, up to $50 million in restricted federal funds were dedicated to provide this service through nearly 250 trained crisis counselors and operational support staff.
Over the years, the need for crisis management counselors with the Trevor Project has fluctuated due to varying levels of depression and suicide ideation. In November 2024, following the presidential election, the Trevor Project experienced its greatest surge of contacts in its history, reaching almost a 700% increase in contacts reaching out to the lifeline by chat, text or phone. The need is greater than can be adequately managed by the highly trained, mostly volunteer counselors.
House and Senate lobbyists continue to advocate for services provided by organizations such as the Trevor Project. Moreover, a fundraising campaign and petition to lawmakers recently was conducted to bring awareness to this growing and urgent need. More than 35,000 people have signed the petition, including 100 publicly known entertainers and celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera and Dwayne Wade.
Yet, according to a press release by the Trevor Project June 18, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is initiating the closure of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ Youth Specialized Services program within 30 days, effective July 17.
The removal of the 988 hotline for LGBTQ youth will jeopardize the life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ youth and likely reduce the critical care staff at the Trevor Project significantly.
Jaymes Black
In response, Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, responded in a public statement: “This program that has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ young people will no longer be available for those who need it. This is devastating, to say the least. Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible. The fact that this news comes to us halfway through Pride Month is callous — as is the administration’s choice to remove the ‘T’ from the acronym ‘LGBTQ’ in their announcement. Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased.”
Congress can still act to reverse this fatal decision, they noted. “We are asking everyone to join the overwhelming public support for evidence-based crisis services, and urge Congress to act. Learn more by visiting TheTrevorProject.org/ActNow.
“I want every LGBTQ young person to know you are worthy, you are loved and you belong — despite this heartbreaking news. The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been, to help you navigate anything you might be feeling right now.”
As a volunteer, crisis management counselor with the Trevor Project for the last three years, I regularly hear the stories of troubled and suicidal teens, young adults and people of all ages. They frequently share about the loud and devastating messages they regularly hear from many of their family members, peers, church leaders and governmental officials: “You are an abomination.” They confide in me about the difficulties getting health care and counseling services to help them to process the pain and intolerance of those around them. Many are minors who are trapped, depending on their families to care for them or being forced out on the streets to fend for themselves.
Time is of the essence. Organizations like the Trevor Project need your support. Regardless of your political affiliations, lives are worth saving. People matter.
Here are the suggested ways that you can join in the advocacy for at-risk LGBTQ youth. Please consider how you can be a part of the solution:
- Donate to ensure that Trevor will also be here to answer a young person’s call for help – 24/7.
- Sign the petition to demand lawmakers protect LGBTQ youth — not endanger them.
- Share this campaign and send a message to the LGBTQ young people in your life that they matter.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ youth and their families. Your voice matters. Listen long. Speak up. Let’s work together to help save lives and to create a culture of inclusion and acceptance for everyone.
If you are struggling with severe depression and/or are experiencing suicidal ideation, please reach out to the Trevor Project. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, every day, to assist you.
- Call 1 (866) 488-7386
- Text “START” to 678-678
- Chat online with a counselor at org/Help.
For more information about the Trevor Project, please visit: www.TheTrevorProject.org.
Patrick Wilson has served as a pastor 25 years in Dallas and Austin, Texas, and most recently in in Rolla, Mo., where he now leads a community of faith, CrossRoads. He is a graduate of Baylor University, earned two master’s degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Logsdon Seminary.