Bipartisan Push to Safeguard LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Services

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, alongside a group of bipartisan lawmakers, has introduced the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025 to ensure dedicated support for LGBTQ+ youth who contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to maintain specialized services and reserve at least 9 percent of 988 Lifeline funds annually to sustain and strengthen those services.

The crisis response measure has gained support from various advocacy groups, including the Trevor Project, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Human Rights Campaign. These organizations have expressed concern about the impact of eliminating the 988 LGBTQ+ specialized services, citing the need for culturally competent care that understands and affirms LGBTQ+ identities.

The bill aims to build on the progress made in expanding 988 and strengthening youth mental health services. With the bipartisan legislation, the lawmakers are driving a comprehensive strategy to expand critical access, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure no call for help goes unanswered.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025 aims to safeguard specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth who contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to reserve at least 9 percent of 988 Lifeline funds annually to sustain and strengthen specialized services.
  • 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.
  • Approximately 45 percent of high school students who seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021 identified as LGBTQ+.
  • The Trevor Project reports that nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ young people have seriously considered suicide, and far too many are unable to access the care they need.
  • Specialized lines staffed by counselors trained on LGBTQ+ youth challenges can deliver safer, more effective crisis response.
  • Bipartisan support for the legislation includes Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Seth Moulton (D-MA), as well as Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

Statistics:

  • 1.5 million calls, texts, and chats were routed to specially trained counselors before the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's 'Press 3' LGBTQ+ youth specialized services were eliminated.
  • ~2,200 contacts per day on the 988 LGBTQ+ specialized services as of May 2025.
  • 45 percent of high school students who seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021 identified as LGBTQ+.
  • Nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ young people have seriously considered suicide, according to The Trevor Project.
  • 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people have used the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's 'Press 3' option since its launch.

Sources:

  • Fitzpatrick, B. (2025, September 17). Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Push to Safeguard LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Services with 988 Access Act. Fitzpatrick.house.gov.
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2025). 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025.
  • The Trevor Project. (2025). Expert Available: LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • GLSEN. (2025). GLSEN Joins Bipartisan Support for 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act.
  • Human Rights Campaign. (2025). Support the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act.