HOUSTON – A leaked draft of the Trump administration’s proposed federal budget reveals plans to eliminate all funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialized services, a move that mental health advocates warn could have devastating consequences.
The 988 Lifeline was launched in 2022 as a nationwide, easy-to-remember mental health emergency number, modeled after 911. It included specialized routing options for groups at elevated risk, such as veterans, Spanish speakers, and LGBTQ+ youth. Callers could press 3 to speak with counselors trained to provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Since that feature launched in September 2022, more than 1.2 million people have used the LGBTQ+ line, with The Trevor Project responding to nearly half of those contacts.
But according to a budget draft first reported by The Washington Post, funding for the LGBTQ+ specific line would be eliminated starting October 1, even as funding for Spanish-language support remains intact.
For people like Joe, a Houston man who called the LGBTQ+ crisis line three years ago, that kind of support is what helped save his life.
“I didn’t know who would understand what I was going through,” Joe recalled. “But they did. They listened. And they connected me to the Montrose Center. That’s when everything started to turn around.”
The Montrose Center, one of the largest LGBTQ+ community health centers in Texas, often receives referrals from 988 and similar crisis services. Avery Belyeu, the center’s CEO, says the proposed cuts threaten a critical link between crisis and care.
“LGBTQ+ youth are already at disproportionate risk for mental health struggles and suicide,” Belyeu said. “When someone’s in crisis, they need to speak to someone who understands them—without needing to explain their identity first. That’s why these specialized services matter.”
According to the CDC, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their non-LGBTQ+ peers. That stark disparity is precisely why the specialized 988 service was added—ironically, under the same Trump administration that is now proposing to cut it.
“We’ve seen the difference these services make in connecting people to care,” Belyeu said. “Hotlines like 988 don’t just talk people through a moment—they connect them to long-term resources like ours.”
The Montrose Center provides therapy, youth programming, HIV support, and services for seniors and survivors of intimate partner violence. In 2023 alone, the center served more than 55,000 people in the Houston area.
Montrose Center: A lifeline for LGBTQ community members in crisis
The Montrose Center in Houston serves as a critical resource for the LGBTQ community, providing mental health support, suicide prevention services, and a safe space for individuals to heal. The center helps over 55,000 people annually, addressing a variety of needs including counseling, HIV services, and youth and senior programs.
A key component of the Montrose Center’s work involves its partnership with national suicide prevention efforts. One person who benefitted from these services is Joe, a man whose life was transformed after using a suicide hotline. His story highlights the impact of the Montrose Center and its mission to support individuals in crisis.
Avery Belyeu’s perspective
Avery Belyeu, the CEO of the Montrose Center, shared insights into the center’s role in supporting the LGBTQ community. Avery has a long career in public health, with a focus on mental health and LGBTQ health. Before leading the Montrose Center, Avery worked at the Trevor Project, a national organization that focuses on suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project offers a hotline, text, and chat services, and has been crucial in reaching those who need help.
“Suicide prevention is incredibly important to me,” Avery said. “When someone is in crisis, they need a supportive place to go, and the Montrose Center is part of that network of resources.”
Joe’s story
Joe, who used the suicide hotline about three years ago, shared how the connection he made during his darkest time changed his life. After reaching out to the hotline, he was referred to the Montrose Center, where he found a wealth of resources to help him move forward.
“It was a turning point for me,” Joe explained. “The support I received helped me get my feet back on the ground. It’s what allowed me to move forward, find a job, and become more involved in the community.”
Joe’s story is a testament to the power of having a trusted resource available during times of crisis. The Montrose Center’s ability to provide immediate support and long-term resources is what has allowed individuals like Joe to rebuild their lives.
The importance of a safe, supportive environment
Avery emphasizes that when people reach out for help, they need to be met with understanding. “It’s essential for people to have a safe, affirming space where they’re not judged. Whether someone is facing challenges with their sexual orientation or gender identity, or dealing with mental health struggles, they need to know they are accepted and supported.”
The Montrose Center provides various services, from mental health counseling to case management for individuals living with HIV. It also offers youth and senior services and works with people who are experiencing intimate partner violence.
The power of connection
Avery explained that a vital part of the Montrose Center’s success comes from meeting people where they are. “When someone comes in, we don’t just throw information at them. We listen to their story and connect them to the services that will benefit them most.”
This approach was instrumental in Joe’s case, as the center was able to connect him to the right resources at the right time.
Looking ahead
As the Montrose Center continues its important work, Avery stressed that it is committed to being a steadfast resource for the LGBTQ community, no matter the changes in national infrastructure. “We’ve been doing this work since 1978, and we’re not going anywhere,” Avery said. “Our community has built this center, and it will continue to provide support for those in need.”
The center’s ongoing mission is clear: to provide a judgment-free space where everyone, no matter their struggles, can find the help, support, and love they need to thrive.
