Active Minds Voices Concern over Closure of LGBTQ+ Crisis Lifeline Subnetwork

Active Minds Responds to Closure of LGBTQ+ Crisis Lifeline Subnetwork

Active Minds, a leading nonprofit organization focused on mental health advocacy among youth, has raised alarms about the recent announcement to terminate the LGBTQ+ subnetwork of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This subnetwork, known as the "Press 3 option," was designed specifically to cater to the unique mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Active Minds argues that removing this critical layer of support will have severe implications, particularly against the backdrop of an escalating mental health crisis among young people.

The decision to eliminate the LGBTQ+ subnetwork is particularly troubling, as indicated by data pointing to the disproportionate mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. A staggering report from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed that 41% of LGBTQ+ high school students seriously contemplated suicide in the past year, compared to a mere 13% of their cisgender and heterosexual peers. Such alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for specialized mental health resources dedicated to addressing the issues of discrimination, violence, and social isolation that this community faces.

The timing of this announcement is also troubling, as it comes during Pride Month, a time meant to celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ identities. The removal of the subnetwork not only deprives LGBTQ+ youth of tailored support but also sends a harmful message regarding the value of their lives and experiences. Many advocates point out that the omission of the "T" from the acronym in public messaging reflects a troubling erasure of transgender and nonbinary identities, which are critical to the LGBTQ+ community. Data from The Trevor Project emphasizes this point, showing that transgender and nonbinary youth are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing mental health issues and suicidal ideation compared to their peers.

The necessity of identity-affirming support cannot be overstated. The "Press 3" option was created to provide culturally competent assistance that understands and respects the unique struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Without this subnetwork, many youth may not receive the support they urgently need, which poses a direct threat to their well-being. Active Minds advocates for the restoration of these services and urges lawmakers to allocate funding to ensure that crisis counselors are adequately trained to assist LGBTQ+ individuals.

To mobilize support, Active Minds has called on lawmakers and community members alike to take action. They encourage involvement in upcoming legislative efforts aimed at protecting mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth and advocating for equitable mental health services. Joining in legislative advocacy and signing petitions, such as the one initiated by The Trevor Project, are ways to oppose the detrimental decision and push for the restoration of identity-affirming support.

Active Minds is committed to continuing its efforts in amplifying the voices and narratives of LGBTQ+ youth in order to advocate for mental health systems that recognize and validate every individual. The organization believes that every young person deserves access to support that is responsive and tailored to their unique lived experiences. The need for advocacy is evident, and Active Minds remains steadfast in its mission to ensure no young person is left behind in the quest for mental health equity.

For those in crisis or who know someone who is: support is available through The Trevor Project. Their trained crisis counselors are accessible around the clock, ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth have immediate access to the help they may need.

- Call: 1-866-488-7386
- Chat: trvr.org/get-help
- Text: START to 678678

To learn more about Active Minds and their crucial work in mental health advocacy, visit their website at ActiveMinds.org.