Trump killed the LGBTQ+ youth suicide lifeline. One year later, the damage remains

On July 17, 2025, the Trump administration abruptly terminated the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program. Up until that point, LGBTQ+ young people under the age of 25 had the option of contacting the 988 Lifeline — our country's federal suicide prevention hotline — and "pressing three," "texting PRIDE," or connecting via online chat to a counselor who was specially trained in supporting LGBTQ+ youth through crisis.Since 2022, the 988 Lifeline's LGBTQ+ youth specialized services has provided evidence-backed, specialized services to the country's highest-risk groups for suicide, including veterans and LGBTQ+ youth. But as of July 17, 2025, the lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth was singled out and eliminated, cutting off life-saving services that more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people had turned to in their darkest moments.This decision was shocking. The government’s hostility toward our community has come to be expected. But the reality that our nation's leadership — the very agency charged with protecting the health and well-being of Americans — ripped life-saving services away from young people in crisis? That was hard to grapple with, to say the least.Looking back on the past year, things have certainly been challenging. But as I reflect on all that has transpired since last July, I honestly find myself recalling many more moments when I've felt hopeful rather than hopeless. July 17, 2025, marks one of the most difficult days in the history of The Trevor Project. But it also marks the start of a period in which our community of allies, supporters, peers, and partners showed up to champion our work supporting LGBTQ+ young people like I'd never seen before.Our community responded urgently, fiercely, and with action. Just as we always do.While this moment reflected one of the biggest challenges in The Trevor Project's 28-year history, it served as a powerful reminder of how our community can — and will — mobilize to protect