9-8-8 LGBTQ+ Support Line to End July 17: What You Need to Know
- David McDaniel
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read

Beginning July 17, 2025, the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will discontinue its “Press 3” option—a feature that connected LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained, affirming crisis counselors. Launched in 2022 and supported by The Trevor Project, this service has helped over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth during moments of distress.
Why Is This Happening?
This change follows the Trump administration’s 2026 federal budget proposal, which eliminates $33 million in annual funding dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth support within the 9-8-8 system.
Federal officials, including those from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), stated the goal is to offer support through a “unified” system rather than separating services. They pointed to “funding limitations” that prevent continuing the LGBTQ+ line without impacting the overall lifeline.
What Are the Concerns?
While the current administration, through SAMHSA, states their intent is to broaden access through consolidation, mental health professionals and LGBTQ+ advocates have voiced significant concerns:
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “Facing stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, and in 2023, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth reported seriously considering suicide.”
The Trevor Project, which managed nearly half of the LGBTQ+ contacts to 9-8-8, has described the loss of this specialized option as “devastating” and “a step backward” in inclusive crisis care.
Many worry this shift will limit access to culturally responsive, identity-affirming support that many young people rely on during times of crisis.
While Illinois has made no formal response to date, Colorado is securing state funding to maintain LGBTQ+-specific counseling access for 9-8-8 callers. Other organizations are calling on Congress to restore federal support or to create local alternatives that protect this essential service.
What This Means for Those in Crisis
Even with this change, 9-8-8 will still be available to all callers via phone, text, or chat. However, the dedicated routing for LGBTQ+ youth to affirming counselors will end after July 17, 2025.
If you or someone you care about needs LGBTQ+-specific support, The Trevor Project remains a trusted, independent, and confidential resource:
Call: 1‑866‑488‑7386
Text: START to 678678
Chat: thetrevorproject.org
At Bodhi Counseling, we oppose the harmful and exclusionary policies advanced by this administration. Eliminating support for LGBTQ+ youth through the 9-8-8 crisis line is not only shortsighted, it is dangerous, and we stand firmly against all efforts that threaten the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Bodhi Counseling remains steadfast in our commitment to providing affirming, inclusive, and identity-centered care. We know it’s critical for LGBTQ+ youth to feel seen, safe, and supported, especially in moments of emotional crisis.
If you're struggling and need help connecting with the right support, please reach out.
We are here for every member of our community affected by these changes. You are valued, you belong, and you’re not alone.