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Youth

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Ensure Dedicated Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to maintain specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth who contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to reserve no less than 9 percent of 988 Lifeline funds each year to sustain and strengthen these services. The legislation is co-led by several House and Senate members, including Senators Tammy Baldwin and Lisa Murkowski, who introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The bill aims to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth have access to trained counselors and resources when they contact the 988 Lifeline.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to maintain specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
  • The bill sets a funding floor of at least 9 percent of 988 resources annually for these specialized services, ensuring reliable capacity and continuity.
  • LGBTQ+ youth face significant health and behavioral health disparities, including elevated rates of suicide attempts.
  • Research shows that culturally competent care, which understands and affirms LGBTQ+ identities, can be life-saving.
  • The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has handled over 1.5 million calls, texts, and chats, averaging approximately 2,200 contacts per day as of May 2025.
  • Specialized lines staffed by counselors trained on LGBTQ+ youth challenges deliver safer, more effective crisis response.
  • The bill is co-led by several House and Senate members, including Senators Tammy Baldwin and Lisa Murkowski, who introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
  • The legislation is supported by several organizations, including the Trevor Project, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, GLSEN, and the Human Rights Campaign.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 45% of high school students who seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021 identified as LGBTQ+.
  • Since its launch, the 988 LGBTQ+ specialized services have handled over 1.5 million calls, texts, and chats--averaging ~2,200 contacts per day as of May 2025.
  • Nearly 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth have already turned to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's 'Press 3' option.
  • According to The Trevor Project, nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Sources:

  • Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's office
  • Senators Tammy Baldwin and Lisa Murkowski's offices
  • The Trevor Project
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • National Alliance for Mental Illness
  • GLSEN
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Press release from Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's office

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