LGBTQ+ Suicide Crisis Support
In a mental health crisis, quick access to support can be life-saving. The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022 created a simple, nationwide number to connect people with trained counselors 24/7, free of charge.
From the beginning, 988 offered specialized options including a dedicated LGBTQ+ support channel in response to the disproportionately high suicide risk in the LGBTQ+ community. This option will end on July 17, 2025.
What Is 988?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is the United States' national mental health suicide and crisis hotlineline.
It launched in July 2022 after the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act was signed into law in October 2020, making 988 the easy‑to‑remember number for anyone in emotional distress, mental health crises or thinking about suicide.
From the beginning, the lifeline recognized the need for language-specific and population-specific crisis support. Options included veterans, Spanish speakers, and an LGBTQ+ youth channel.
When callers dialed 988, they could choose to “Press 3” or reply “PRIDE” via chat/text to connect with counselors trained to support LGBTQ+ youth and young adults up to age 25. Initially piloted with The Trevor Project, this became a seven-center subnetwork, with The Trevor Project handling nearly 50% of volume of calls annually.
Why an LGBTQ+ Channel?
People who identify as LGBTQ+, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning individuals, are disproportionately at risk of death by suicide.
A 2023 Trevor Project survey reported that among LGBTQ+ youth:
Nearly 41% seriously considered suicide in the past year
Roughly 18% attempted suicide
Transgender and nonbinary youth consistently report even higher numbers
For comparison:
LGBTQ youth are more than 4× as likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers
41% of high school LGBTQ+ students seriously considered suicide each year, and 20% made an attempt
40% of transgender youth have attempted suicide; among Black or Native transgender youth that figure is even higher
LGBTQ+ adults face similar risks:
Each year, 45% of LGBTQ+ adults report seriously considering suicide.
This number is especially high among transgender and nonbinary individuals, with nearly 60% reporting suicidal ideation.
LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers.
For both youth and adults, heightened risk is driven in part by experiences of discrimination, stigma, social isolation; and barriers to culturally competent mental health care. The 988 hotline provide a safe, effective life-saving resource for individuals in crisis.
What Happens After July 17?
Now through July 17, 2025, you can dial 988 and “Press 3” or type “PRIDE” to connect with counselors trained in LGBTQ+ challenges.
Beginning on July 18, anyone calling or texting 988 can still request an LGBTQ+ competent counselor, but without the dedicated “Press 3” routing. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Healthcare Services Administration, culturally competent services will remain available through the general line.
Other organizations, including The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline, will still operate independently.
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Additional Crisis Support
Below you will find a list of national hotlines and other communication channels staffed with people who are ready and honored to listen to and support you.
The Trevor Project: Provides 24/7 confidential support
TrevorLifeline (1-866-488-7386)
TrevorChat (online instant messaging)
TrevorText (text START to 678-678)
LGBT National Youth Talkline: Offers peer support, information, and resources for youth up to age 25 during specific hours (Monday-Friday 2pm-10pm MST, Saturday 10am-3pm MST)
1-800-246-7743
LGBT National Senior Talkline: Offers peer support, information, and resources for LGBTQ+ seniors during specific hours (Mon-Fri:
21am-9pm MST)
1-888-234-7243
LGBT Online Peer Support Chat: Connect with a trained LGBTQIA+ peer support volunteer to have a web-based conversation during specific hours (Mon - Fri: 12pm - 9pm MST, Sat: 10am-3pm MST
Rainbow Youth Project: Provides access to mental health services and transgender healthcare assistance and crisis line
317-643-4888
Trans Lifeline: 24/7 confidential peer support service run by and for trans and questioning individuals
US Hotline 1-877-565-8860
THRIVE Lifeline: Offers text-based crisis support for individuals 18+, particularly those in marginalized communities
Text 'Thrive' to 1-313-662-8209
BlackLine: Provides 24/7 crisis support for BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities
1-800-604-5841
Also available as an app
SAGE HearMe App: Provides a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ elders to connect with a real person, available 24/7
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