Celebrity Support for LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Funding
Over 100 celebrities from various sectors of the entertainment industry have endorsed a letter advocating for the continued funding of a federal program aimed at emergency crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth who are contemplating suicide.
The Trevor Project’s Funding Concerns
The Trevor Project announced that it risks losing $25 million in funding for its LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The notable signatories include celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Pedro Pascal, Daniel Radcliffe, and many others from film, music, television, sports, theater, fashion, and literature.
A Legislative Context
The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which was enacted in October 2020 under President Donald Trump, provides context for the current funding crisis. A list of the signers and the full letter is available below.
Voicing Support and Urgency
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the influential figures in entertainment who emphasize that suicide prevention transcends political divides. He noted that trained counselors must provide effective support to at-risk communities, especially LGBTQ+ youth, who often confront rejection and discrimination.
Highlighting the Public Health Crisis
The letter outlines the dire consequences of eliminating federal funding for these essential services, which have already connected approximately 1.3 million crisis contacts with crucial support since their inception in 2022. LGBTQ+ youth face a significantly higher risk of suicide, with statistics indicating that they are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
A Call to Action
The signers of the letter urge the administration and Congress to restore and secure funding for these vital services in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The letter emphasizes that every young person deserves help during their darkest moments and that the absence of such support delivers a harmful message about their worth.
Encouragement for LGBTQ+ Youth
In closing, the letter reassures LGBTQ+ youth that they are not alone and deserve support and love. Those wishing to stand in solidarity can sign The Trevor Project’s petition at TRVR.org/Save988.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
