Trump eliminating crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth; L.A. has resources

A national hotline will no longer provide services specifically for young LGBTQ + in crisis. The Trump administration ends this support next month.

The 988 Suicide and Crifeline suicide has advisers for anyone in emotional distress or planning to commit suicide, but also connected young LGBTQ + with specially trained advisers. Research has shown that this population experiences significantly higher suicidal ideas. But this specialized service will end on July 17.

The administration of drug and mental health services, which finances the Hotline 988, said in a press release that the appellants would no longer have the possibility of “pressing 3” for specific services to LGBTQ +. The agency said it would not be “Silo LGB + Youth Services”, but would rather focus on the service of all those looking for help.

For members of the LGBTQ + community in Los Angeles, there are other options, with specifically trained mental health advisers. But the defenders of service 988 claim that his loss will leave a hole in the intervention of the crisis.

This is one more way for people to feel as if they are not seen, do not know where to try help or do not feel safe enough to request support, said Terra Russell-Slavin, head of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

They noted that the announcement of the administration of drug and mental health services had used the acronym “LGB +”. Although Trans young people are a vulnerable group to suicidal ideas, they said: “They literally … removed the word” trans “from the goal of the hotline.”

In less than 30 days, the program which “provided vital services to more than 1.3 million young LGBTQ +” will no longer be available for those who need it, “Jaymes Black said in a statement. Black is director general of the Trevor project, which has provided target advice on LGBTQ + Youth by the 988 Hotline since 2022.

“The administration’s decision to remove bipartite service based on evidence that has effectively supported a high -risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible,” said Black.

Linda Yoon, founder of Yellow Flesh Collective, said that the Trevor project had been a vital resource for many young queers, including some of the collective customers. The group provides affirmative LGBTQ + advice, among other services and focuses on the provision of mental health support to American and multicultural Asian populations.

“Losing this support for the federal government is incredibly worrying,” Yoon told Times. “These specialized services exist for a reason – they meet the needs that general services often neglect or which are not equipped to respond.”

Young queers are experiencing highly higher suicidal ideas than their non -LGBTQ +peers, according to experts.

In the United States, more than 1.8 million young LGBTQ + in the United States seriously consider suicide each year, and at least one suicide attempt every 45 seconds, according to the Trevor project.

Yoon and his team see young people in crisis in their clinical work.

“Many of our customers of young LGBTQ + come with more complex and high-risk cases,” she said, “especially when they come from uninformed or dangerous family environments-which, unfortunately, still occurs too often.”

More than 50 young queers are looking for services at Yellow Flesh Collective per year, and many are looking for support after a crisis or when they had trouble accessing the care they need elsewhere.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was a resource that the collective made known to customers. In the future, the group will refer to the Trevor project, which, according to Yoon, will continue to offer crisis support independently, 24/7.

The TREVOR project is reached at (866) 488-7386. You can also send SMS or chat.

In 2022, around 17 years after the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline with a federal subsidy of the Administration of the Services of Toxicania and Mental Health, 988 began the pilot phase of its specialized services for young LGBTQ +. At the time, the Trevor project was the only supplier of the services. Finally, it was one of the seven centers providing help.

Last year, according to the Trevor project, its advisers helped around 500,000 people – almost half of which went through hotline 988.

At the local level, the Los Angeles County Mental Health Service offers a crisis assistance line that has 24/7 to connect residents with resources, including mental health professionals with specific training and programs designed for individuals and LGBTQ + families.

Yoon is still afraid of the consequences of loss of service 988 for young high -risk queers. His help was not only suitable but also fast.

“We know that in a crisis, being able to react in time is very important,” she said.

As for Russell-Salvin, they are worried about the moment of the crisis, when the right contact can make all the difference. They fear that having to find a new number appropriate to call could be too much.

“All these things will simply create more obstacles,” they said, “and these obstacles are part of what contributes to the damage.”

Hotline crisis Crisis LGBTQ +

Alternative crisis response from the County of Los Angeles: Thanks to this program, you can access the 24-hour assistance line from County to (800) 854-7771 to connect with culturally cultural culture services and resources, including specifically trained mental health professionals and specially designed programs for LGBTQ +people.

The Trevor project: The project provides crisis services and peer support on a national level. You can access the services by sending SMS “starting” to 678-678, calling the hotline to (866) -488-7386 or by discussing live with an online professional.

Trans Lifeline: The Hotline and basic non -profit organization offers direct emotional and financial support for trans people in crisis. You can call the hotline, (877) 565-8860, from Monday to Friday to get help between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pacific. There are certain holidays that the hotline is closed; A full list can be found online.

Desi LGBTQ + Helône: Deqh offers free, confidential and culturally sensitive support, information and resources, information and resources for individuals and families in South Asia LGBTQ +. You can get in touch with qualified volunteers by filling out an online form or calling (908) 367-3374 Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific.

LGBTQ + fillings

LGBT center in Los Angeles: To its 10 locations, the Center offers housing, legal aid, health and mental health care services for young people and adults who identify as part of Queer and Trans communities. A full list of services can be found online or by calling (323) 993-7400.

APLAHEALTH: In eight places in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the supplier offers health, mental health, food, housing and other support services for the LGBTQ +community. You can make an appointment for a specific online service.

Yellow chair collective: The team is formed and practices culture and advice and psychotherapy services affirming Counseling and psychotherapy. The practice specializes in the service of American and multicultural Asian customers. You can find out more about their services or make an appointment online.

Planned Parenthood: Participating places provide mental and physical health resources for members of the LGBTQ +community. Resources include support groups for young Queers aged 14 to 21 and health care affirming the sexes. You can consult all the services and make an appointment in an online local health establishment.

Calhope: California offers online health support for young people and young adults via Calhope at (833) 317-4673; Appellants can also find guides for specific queer mental health services.