As Pride Month comes to a close, it’s important to remember that the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth do not end on June 30.
LGBTQ+ young people experience significantly higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide risk than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. This increased risk is not because of their identity. Rather, it is often driven by experiences of stigma, discrimination, violence, rejection, and barriers to care.
At the same time, research consistently shows that supportive relationships, affirming communities, and accessible crisis services can significantly improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth.
For several years, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s “Press 3” option connected LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained crisis counselors who understood their unique experiences. In 2025, those specialized services were discontinued. Although federal officials have announced plans to restore them by the end of 2026, these services are not yet available.
The bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act (S. 2826/H.R. 5434) seeks to restore and protect access to specialized crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 Lifeline.
Call data demonstrates the need for these services. In less than three years, the LGBTQ+ specialized line received nearly 1.6 million contacts nationwide, with many users being young people, individuals living in rural communities, and those with fewer resources or limited access to affirming support.
Take Action
You can help advocate for continued access to specialized crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Visit:
afsp.quorum.us/afspactioncenter/
Select “Take Action for LGBTQ+ Youth” to send a prepared message to your elected officials in support of the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act.
The message can be sent as written, but adding a sentence or two about why mental health and crisis support matter to you can make an even greater impact.
Pride is more than a month. It is an ongoing commitment to creating communities where every young person feels seen, supported, and connected to help when they need it most.
At Mental Health America of Greenville County, we believe that Strength Begins with Connection. Together, we can continue building a future where every person has access to compassionate, responsive mental health care and crisis support.
