Why Access to Gender-Affirming Care and Crisis Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth Matters—And How You Can Help

At the Equality Alliance, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported in their own community. That includes making sure LGBTQIA+ youth—especially trans and nonbinary young people—can access care that affirms who they are and protects their mental health.

Right now, that safety net is under threat. The recent decision by the Trump administration to shut down the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program by July 17, 2025, will remove a lifeline that has served over 1.3 million young people in crisis (The Trevor Project, 2025). That hotline isn’t just a phone number. It’s trained counselors who understand the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ youth face. It’s someone saying: “You’re not alone. You matter. We want you here.”

Why does this matter so much?

Because LGBTQIA+ youth are at much higher risk for suicide than their cisgender peers. This isn’t an accident or something about who they are—it’s the result of social conditions like discrimination, stigma, and being denied care (Jackson, 2023).

Research consistently shows that gender-affirming care—including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries—can reduce suicidality in trans and nonbinary people (Jackson, 2023). The evidence isn’t perfect; we need even better, long-term studies that control for things like co-occurring mental health conditions. But the trend is clear: when people are affirmed in who they are, they’re safer, healthier, and more hopeful.

So why is there so much debate?

Unfortunately, there’s been an explosion of misinformation and disinformation about gender-affirming care.

  • Misinformation is false or misleading information shared without intending to deceive—like people spreading outdated or incorrect statistics without realizing it.

  • Disinformation is shared with the deliberate intent to deceive or manipulate, often for political gain (Business Insider, 2021).

Both forms of falsehood make it harder for families to get reliable information, for communities to have civil conversations, and for policymakers to make evidence-based decisions.

We know this isn’t just an academic issue. It’s personal. When harmful narratives spread, they shape policy. That’s how we ended up with the shutdown of a crisis hotline designed to save LGBTQIA+ youth lives.

How can you help?

We know our community is caring. If you want to show up for LGBTQIA+ youth and help build a safer, more informed environment, here are a few simple things you can do:

Learn and share reliable information. Before reposting a headline or meme, check the date, the author, and the sources. Look for evidence-based resources—like The Trevor Project or major medical associations.

Listen to LGBTQIA+ people. Center their voices, especially trans and nonbinary youth. Ask how you can support them.

Challenge misinformation gently. If you see a friend or family member sharing misleading claims, try asking questions instead of attacking. “Where did you see that? I read something different—want to take a look together?”

Advocate for policy that protects LGBTQIA+ youth. Contact your representatives. Support funding for mental health services that are inclusive and affirming.

Share resources. The Trevor Project is still providing 24/7 crisis support via phone (1-866-488-7386), text (text START to 678678), or online chat (TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help). Even if federal funding is cut, their counselors will keep showing up for youth in crisis.

At the Equality Alliance, we believe that no young person should feel so alone, unseen, or unsupported that suicide feels like their only option. Every life is precious. Every person deserves respect and care.

Together, we can push back against fear and misinformation with understanding, empathy, and action. Let’s keep doing the work—because our LGBTQIA+ youth are worth it.

—Mary Benton

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