A leaked draft budget has revealed that the Trump administration intends to cut federal funding for mental health support programs tailored to LGBTQ+ youth, including a complete withdrawal of funding for the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialised Services offered through the 988 Crisis & Support Lifeline from October.
First reported by The Washington Post, Initial media coverage primarily highlighted cuts to public health and research agencies. However, The Trevor Project — a leading LGBTQ+ mental health advocacy organisation — confirmed the proposal includes removing all federal support for the 988 Lifeline’s dedicated LGBTQ+ youth services. These services offer emergency emotional and psychological support to young people facing significant distress.
The draft, detailed on page 14, outlines a major restructuring: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) would be merged into a new agency named the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). As part of this shift, targeted programmes supporting mental wellbeing among LGBTQ+ and other marginalised groups would be defunded.
“This move isn’t just a budget decision — it’s one that puts vulnerable lives at risk,” said Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black. “Mental health crisis support is about recognising risk factors, not erasing identities. Defunding these LGBTQ+ services removes a safety net for millions of young people.”
The Trevor Project has long provided essential emotional and crisis support for LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing issues ranging from identity struggles to rejection, abuse, and systemic barriers to care.
Since its establishment in 2023, the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialised Services have shown measurable positive outcomes in supporting young people through emotional distress. Experts agree that LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges that require tailored care, including fear of discrimination, lack of affirming support, and social stigma.
The need is well-documented. A now-removed 2021 study from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly half of LGBTQ+ high school students had seriously considered self-harm, with trans youth reporting even higher levels of emotional distress.
Despite not eliminating the broader 988 Lifeline, the budget proposal removes the specialised branch that directly supports LGBTQ+ youth, a population already facing higher rates of anxiety, depression, and exclusion.
Historically, demand for LGBTQ+-focused support services has surged during politically volatile periods. The Trevor Project reported a 700% increase in contacts the day after Donald Trump won the 2016 election, with heightened distress noted in the weeks surrounding his inauguration.
“The political environment is heavy,” said Black, “but LGBTQ+ young people need to know they are not alone. These services exist because they are proven to help — and they must be protected.”
The proposed changes are scheduled to take effect on 1 October, pending congressional approval. The Trevor Project is urging lawmakers to intervene and ensure continued support for lifesaving mental health resources.
📞 Need support?
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or needs someone to talk to, help is available. In New Zealand, contact:
Lifeline Aotearoa – Call 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Visit: https://www.lifeline.org.nz
You’re never alone — support is just a call or message away. ❤️
