Federal LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline Restored After Trump Shutdown, Funding Secured by Congress
The specialized “press 3” LGBTQ+ option on the 988 lifeline has been reactivated after a year-long shutdown by the Trump administration, with Congress allocating over $33 million to support it.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ “press 3” option, which handled over 1.5 million contacts before being terminated in July 2025, is now back online after pressure from activists and lawmakers. SAMHSA, which oversees the lifeline, shut the service for financial reasons, but Congress approved a bill allocating more than $33 million to queer-youth crisis assistance, enabling its reinstatement. Health and Human Services affirmed alignment with President Trump’s executive orders to “defend women from gender ideology extremism and restore biological truth,” raising questions about how the policy will affect the hotline’s affirming approach.
Advocates, including Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representative Seth Moulton, praised the reopening and vowed to protect the service. The Trevor Project, previously a contractor for the option, was excluded from the new iteration and lost a $25 million federal contract, though it continues its privately funded lifeline. Officials have not disclosed specifics on counselor training or any policy changes.
Why it matters
Restoring the LGBTQ+ crisis line provides vital, affirming support for queer youth who face a suicide risk three times higher than their peers.
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