What The Hell America!

Content warning: This article discusses sensitive topics related to mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of suicide, crisis counselors are available 24/7 through The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386, or by texting START to 678678. At the time of writing, the 988 crisis line and its LGBTQ-youth services are also still active and counselors can be reached by calling or texting 988.

A leaked memo has revealed that President Donald Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services is poised to eliminate the LGBTQ youth line of the 988 suicide prevention hotline. While right-wing media have mocked and denied the issue of suicide in the LGBTQ community — often targeting trans people in particular — about 1.2 million callers have been routed to 988’s lifesaving LGBTQ line since July 2022. 

Democratic lawmakers are pushing back against the Trump administration’s proposed cuts, which would further weaken 988 after hiring freezes impacted the helpline for veterans. Other funding cuts in the memo would harm even more Americans, particularly low-income families, those in rural areas, and people with chronic illnesses.