Rising Alarm: Save the LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotline!
Celebrities Including Ariana Grande Endorse LGBTQ+ Crisis Assistance Line
In an open plea, popular icons like Ariana Grande (31), Paris Hilton (44), and Jamie Lee Curtis (66) have joined forces to support the preservation of the LGBTQ+ crisis hotline in the U.S. They've signed a petition from The Trevor Project, imploring for continued funding for the service. The lifeline, reachable via 988, serves as a crucial lifeline for queer youth struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Sources reveal that the service might face funding cuts, causing immense worry. The petition declares, "We are deeply troubled by the proposal to strip federal funding for the LGBTQ+-specialized services under the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline." This move could deals a heavy blow to youth across the nation, it warns. "This isn't about politics, but people," it insists.
Over a Million Youth Saved
The petition explains that since its inception in 2022, the service has offered assistance to over 1.3 million youth battling suicidal thoughts. With an estimated 1.8 million queer youth contemplating such thoughts annually, the Trevor Project handles around half of the calls to the crisis hotline, reports CBS.
The acronym LGBTQ+ represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, with the '+' indicating other identities and genders.
The Stakes are High
Eliminating this funding could spell disaster for the LGBTQ+ community. By cutting specialized services, these youth might be denied access to counselors who understand their unique struggles, like discrimination and bullying. This could heighten feelings of solitude and discourage them from seeking help when necessary.
United Front
In response to these funding threats, over 100 celebrities have joined forces to pen an open letter, urging federal officials to protect The Trevor Project's crisis services. The letter underscores the vital importance of preserving these life-saving resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Advocacy groups are leaving no stone unturned, educating the public and influencing congressional offices about the significance of these specialized services.
Making a Difference
The Trevor Project and other allies are calling on the public to support their cause. They encourage donations, signing petitions, and spreading awareness on social media to ensure continued aid for LGBTQ+ youth during crisis situations.
- Science plays a crucial role in understanding the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth, as it provides evidence that supportive services like The Trevor Project's crisis hotline can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts among this community.
- Health-and-wellness initiatives, such as The Trevor Project, are essential for supporting the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth, especially since they face unique challenges related to discrimination and bullying that can impact their mental health.
- Entertainment industry celebrities are using their influence to advocate for mental health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youth by standing together in support of The Trevor Project and urging federal officials to protect its crucial crisis services.
