Mental Health Moment 7/1/2025
Updates on the LGBTQ 988 Hotline
After July 17th, 2025, the nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline’s special LGBTQ+ services will end due to the decisions of the current presidential administration. While this can feel like (and is) another act of deep and enraging cruelty, it is important to help people realize that there is still support available for LQBTQ+ people in crisis.
The 988 line first started in 2001, as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, serving 46K calls in the first year. In 2020, when the FCC established 988 as the new Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line number, Congress asked for a study to learn how to best serve the LGBTQ+ population. By 2022, the line was launched in a pilot form and in 2023, the service was launched nationwide. These speciality services, under the 988 umbrella, allow for staff trained to specifically address the needs of LGBTQ+ callers, who experience mental health and suicidal crisis at a four times higher rate than their peers due to societal pressures and stigma.
Despite the current administration’s actions, we know that LGBTQ+ lives are beautiful and sacred. While 988 will remain functioning and anyone is welcome to use the services, if you are looking for LGBTQ+ specific services, there are options available. The Trevor Project operates a 24 hour call/text/chat service that can be reached by texting START to 678-678 or by calling 866-488-7386. And, though not 24 hours, Chicago’s NAMI Helpline, 866-626-4244 has people you can talk to a large list of other LGBTQ+ services who are ready to support you.
The world is better with you in it. So, if you need help, please reach out.
