Trump Administration's Actions Against LGBTQ+ Youth Faced Criticism from 'Big Bang Theory' Actor as Unlawful
In a move that has raised concerns among mental health advocates, the Trump administration decided to discontinue the specialized LGBTQ+ youth service on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in June 2025, with the service officially ceasing mid-July 2025.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which funds the 988 hotline, stated that the aim was to focus on serving all callers seeking help, rather than separating LGBTQ+ youth services specifically. However, critics, including The Trevor Project's CEO Jaymes Black, described the decision as dangerous and politically motivated, potentially leaving vulnerable youth at greater risk.
The specialized option, launched in September 2022, allowed callers to select option 3 for mental health support tailored to LGBTQ+ youth. This service supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments, connecting them with counselors trained to understand their unique experiences. Since its launch, the service had answered nearly 1.3 to 1.5 million calls.
Some sources suggest that federal funding cuts under the Trump administration may have contributed to the discontinuation of the specialized service. Yet, the official justification emphasized integrating services for all callers rather than funding alone. The agency also notably removed explicit mention of "trans" from the hotline's purpose in their announcement, which raised further concerns among advocates.
Despite the administration's rationale, Jim Parsons, a well-known actor from "The Big Bang Theory," has criticized President Donald Trump for shutting down the LGBTQ+ youth service. Parsons stated that there is no justifiable reason for the shutdown, implying that it's a means of excluding certain people. He went on to say that the decision is "quite literally criminal."
It's important to note that the organization offering services via its own hotline post-shutdown remains unspecified. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's statement does not mention the LGBTQ+ youth service specifically, and the organization's hotline is not confirmed to be that of The Trevor Project.
In summary, the shutdown of the LGBTQ+ youth service on the 988 Lifeline reflects a federal decision to discontinue a specialized support service for a high-risk population, despite significant pushback from mental health advocates warning about the negative consequences for LGBTQ+ youth mental health support. The decision has been criticized as dangerous, politically motivated, and potentially leaving vulnerable youth at greater risk.
- The Trump administration's decision to discontinue the LGBTQ+ youth service on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2025 has sparked concerns within the realm of mental health advocacy.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has stated that the focus is now on serving all callers seeking help, rather than keeping a specialized service for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Critics, such as The Trevor Project's CEO Jaymes Black, view this decision as politically motivated and dangerous, with potential consequences that could leave vulnerable youth without necessary support.
- In light of the decision, well-known actor Jim Parsons has criticized President Donald Trump, arguing that there is no justifiable reason for the shutdown and viewing it as a means of exclusion.
- Although the agency has emphasized integrating services for all callers, the removal of explicit mention of "trans" from the hotline's purpose has raised further concerns among advocates.
- As the specialized service comes to an end, there remains uncertainty about the organization providing services via its own hotline post-shutdown, with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's statement not specifying the LGBTQ+ youth service and the organization's hotline not yet confirmed to be that of The Trevor Project.
