The Trump Administration is reportedly planning to eliminate the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s specialized LGBTQ+ services following a leaked budget draft that nixed funds set aside for that sector. The hotline has allowed users to seek help through calls, texts, or chats and since September 2022, more than 1.2 million people have been routed to the LGBTQ+ services. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the hotline's future, local organizations like PFLAG, which stands for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, are advocating for those needing help in Door County.
PFLAG President Beth Mitchell says the news of the potential withdrawal of support for LGBTQ+ services via the national hotline is deeply concerning.
“My initial reaction is that it’s definitely troubling,” Mitchell said, “it’s attacking the most vulnerable at a time they are most vulnerable.”
In 2020, President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act which appointed 988 as the universal number to connect people to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. By removing the option for specialized support for those in the LGBTQ+ community, Mitchell believes they are taking away a trusted and valuable system, especially for youth. Statistically, LGBTQ+ youth is four times more likely to attempt suicide, which is one of the leading causes of death amongst individuals ages 10 to 24-years-old.
“I think it also undercuts the expansion of the 988 initiative itself,” said Mitchell, “removing these services is just reinforcing the stigma of LGBTQ+ individuals.”
Locally, there are options available for immediate help including the Door County Crisis/Suicide Intervention line. Calls to this hotline are answered by Brown County Human Services which is partnered with Door County. The hotline is available 24/7 and is equipped to handle any crisis, including those needing LGBTQ+ support. The hotline can be reached at (920) 746-2588.
While they are not formatted for emergency response, PFLAG is always willing to listen, too. They host monthly meetings via Zoom where anyone can join in for a safe and judgement-free way to connect. Those interested in attending can find more information in their newsletter on their website.
“We’re about education, advocacy, and support,” said Mitchell.
At PFLAG, Mitchell says they additionally provide beneficial literature for individuals and further recommends the Trans Lifeline and the Trevor Project to bridge the gap of the 988 hotline. Regardless, their goal is to let those seeking help here know that they are valued.
“Even though it can be very overwhelming right now to be LGBTQ+ there are people here in the community that care about them and want to support them,” says Mitchell, “you know, we’re in a community altogether, it’s not just LGBTQ+ people, there’s all sorts of people in this community looking out for each other and then that’s how we succeed, we help people.”
Changes to the funding for LGBTQ+ services will be reflected in the next Federal budget cycle which is scheduled to begin on October 1st.
