In an absolutely heinous plot twist that not even Riverdale writers could cook up, the Trump administration is pulling the plug on the “Press 3” LGBTQ youth lifeline. Like, literally. Starting July 17, that hotline option is poof—gone. Canceled. Yeeted into the political void.
Let’s rewind for the non-traumatized: the “Press 3” option on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was the one button where queer and questioning youth could talk to trained counselors who actually understood them. No Bible thumping. No weird “have you tried being less gay?” vibes. Just real, affirming help. It was created with The Trevor Project and was kind of a big deal. It helped save lives. You know, minor stuff like that.
But now?? The government is like:
“Let’s just make it all one big hotline and act like specialized care is too ‘extra.’ Also, let’s casually drop the ‘T’ in LGBTQ like it’s a bad group project partner.”
EXCUSE ME, WHAT IN THE TRANSPHOBIC HELL? 😡💅
SAMHSA (that’s the government mental health squad) said everyone will still get help through the general number. But removing tailored, LGBTQ-specific support and pretending it’s fine is like telling someone who’s lactose intolerant to just “try the regular milk and manifest better vibes.”
Meanwhile, Trevor Project’s CEO Jaymes Black is out here channeling every gay person’s inner rage-monologue:
“This is DEVASTATING. Suicide prevention is about people, not politics.”
LIKE YES, KING. 👑
And the timing?? Oh baby, they announced this in the middle of PRIDE MONTH. That’s like burning the rainbow cake while everyone’s still singing “Born This Way.” Pure chaos. Pure cruelty. Not even subtle.
And just when you think the drama’s over, a White House budget spokesperson slid in like a comment troll and basically said, “We’re not funding chat rooms that teach kids to be… radically themselves.” As if that’s a bad thing?? LMAO OKAY, HUN.
Let’s be 100: This isn’t just some boring policy shift. This is dangerous. And queer youth deserve better. Especially trans youth. ESPECIALLY during Pride.
But to every LGBTQ+ baby reading this:
You’re magic. You matter. And there are still people fighting like hell for you. Trevor Project is still up, 24/7, no “Press 3” needed. Call, chat, scream into the void—whatever it takes.
We got you. And we’re not going anywhere.
#Press3Forever #PrideIsResistance #TransYouthMatter 🏳️⚧️💔🔥