Previously, X’s virus posts TwitterI incorrectly claimed that Canada Suicide crisis has begun LGBTQ+Americans were coming to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline after news that federal cuts had come to the US.
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Is Canada launching a crisis hotline? LGBTQ+American? no.
The post, shared by an anonymous user on Sunday, stated, “When Trump closes its suicide hotline, Canada aired hotlines across the country. It has been shown over 2.5 million times. It has since been flagged with a “Community Note,” a fact check generated by X-based user-generated by the X.
However, the listed numbers, 1-877-330-6366, are not connected to the Canadian Government services. Connect to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit peer-reviewed support line that has been serving both Americans and Canadian transgender people since 2014. No new Canadian hotlines have been created for LGBTQ+ Americans.
Related: Trump administration fires suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth starting October
Supporters I contacted Trans Lifeline but didn’t respond immediately.
The spread of misinformation comes amid real concerns about the mental health resources of LGBTQ+ people under attack in the US. As SupportersReported Monday, the Trump administration has caused fears that the Biden administration, allocated to specialized LGBTQ+ services under 988 Lifeline, has eliminated allotted funds and reduced access to trained counselors at a time when queer and trans youth were at increased risk.
While 988 is still active, LGBTQ+ callers may no longer have reliable access to affirm identity-specific crisis support through the federal system.
Lance Preston, executive director of the Rainbow Youth Project, which provides crisis intervention services, said Supporters The removal of LGBTQ-specific services from 988 is devastating for young people who are already struggling to trust the government system. “The younger callers already feel like the government doesn’t like them and don’t want them to exist,” Preston said. He warned that by removing familiar positive options such as the 988 LGBTQ queues, he would intensify isolation and despair. “For many kids, 988 was sometimes the only number they truly knew, as teachers and counselors could safely give it. Not only will they lose that connection, it’s about survival.”
Related: Advocates and health experts worry that Trump’s reduction in suicide prevention hotline will increase LGBTQ+ youth deaths
Preston highlighted that the rainbow Youth Project hotline volume tripled and calls to the crisis surged after the 2024 election. He also warned that the lack of LGBTQ-specific options while 988 is still present could prevent young people from seeking help. “It’s huge to make a single call to a child,” Preston said. “If your first experience isn’t affirmed, it’s almost impossible to have your call back the second or third time.”
Where to find positive support
LGBTQ+ people still have some reliable options for crisis support, including:
- The Trevor project provides 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ adolescents aged 13-24, and can be reached at (866) 488-7386.
- Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860 provides peer-led support by transgender people and confidential support without mandatory law enforcement involvement.
- The LGBT National Hotline is available at (888) 843-4564 for peer support and information.
- Text-based support is available through the Crisis Text Line by sending a text message to 741-741.
- The Rainbow Youth Project operates a national crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, available from RainbowyouthProject.org. Their counselors are specially trained to address the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ callers facing isolation, family rejection and legislative hostility.
- With over 300 chapters nationwide, PFLAG National continues to provide community-based support, education and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones. More details on chapters and resources are available at pflag.org.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline remains reachable by dialing 988, but identity-specific services could soon be reduced.
Supporters emphasize that support remains available and that LGBTQ+ people are not alone.
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, call, text, or chat with 988 Suide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org to access free and confidential services 24/7. Designed for trans or genderless people, the trans lifeline can be reached at (877) 565-8860. Lifeline also provides resources to support other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth (ages 24 and under) can be accessed at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access the chat service at thetrevorproject.org/help or access text start 678678.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
