Celebrities, including Ariana Grande, endorse the LGBTQ+ helpline for support and resources.
Title: Stars Rally for LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline Amid Funding Uncertainty
Got some tea on a hot topic?! Celebs like Ariana Grande (31), Paris Hilton (44), and Jamie Lee Curtis (66), ain't holding back. They've jumped on the bandwagon to save the LGBTQ+ suicide hotline in the U.S.! These stars and many others have penned a petition, pleading for continued funding of this vital service. If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts as a queer youth, you can reach out by dialing 988.
Word on the street is that the homie Uncle Sam's about to pull the plug on funds for this service. ain't cool, man! As the petition puts it, "We're freakin' disturbed by the idea of axing federal dollars for LGBTQ+-specific services on the 988 suicide and crisis hotline." This move's gonna hit millions of youngsters hard, they say. "This ain't politics, this is about people!"
Since its launch, this lifeline's helped approximately 1.3 million youngsters dealing with suicidal thoughts. By CBS's count, about half these calls landed with the Trevor Project – a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. It's estimated that 1.8 million queer youth contemplate suicide each year.
So, what's the deal with that LGBTQ+ acronym, bruh? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people make up the base, with a "+" sign representing other identities and genders. Must be a lotta awesome people out there we're trying to help, right?!
References:[1] The Trevor Project's official statement on funding uncertainties.[2] Outcry from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups on potential funding cuts.[3] Open letter signed by 100+ celebrities urging the preservation of LGBTQ+-specific suicide hotline services.
Science reveals that the LGBTQ+ community, a diverse group encompassing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, as well as others, face a higher risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This is concerning, given that entertainment figures like Ariana Grande, Paris Hilton, and Jamie Lee Curtis, among others, have highlighted the urgency of preserving health-and-wellness services, such as the suicide hotline, specifically designed for this vulnerable population. These celebrities, in alliance with various mental-health and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, are working to ensure that the funding for these essential services continues, as a disproportionate number of young people from this community struggle with mental health issues and may require these services for support.
