No, Canada hasn’t launched a suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ Americans

A viral post on X, formerly Twitter, has falsely claimed that Canada has launched a suicide crisis line for LGBTQ+ Americans in the wake of news that federal cuts were coming to the United States 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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Is Canada launching a crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ Americans? No.

The post, shared Sunday by an anonymous user, reads: “As Trump shuts down the suicide hotline, Canada has broadcasted their national hotline, which now has a toll-free American version: 1-877-330-6366.” It has been viewed more than 2.5 million times. It has since been flagged with a “Community Note,” which is user-generated fact-checking that X has implemented.

However, the number listed, 1-877-330-6366, does not connect to a Canadian government service. It connects to Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit, peer-led support line that has served both American and Canadian transgender people since 2014. No new Canadian hotline has been created for LGBTQ+ Americans.

Related: Trump administration to defund suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth starting in October

The Advocate contacted Trans Lifeline but did not immediately hear back.

The spread of misinformation comes amid real concern about mental health resources for LGBTQ+ people under attack in the United States. As The Advocatereported Monday, the Trump administration is proposing eliminating funding that the Biden administration allotted for specialized LGBTQ+ services under the 988 Lifeline, sparking fears about reduced access to trained counselors at a time of heightened risk for queer and trans youth.

Although 988 remains active, LGBTQ+ callers may no longer have reliable access to affirming, identity-specific crisis support through the federal system.

Lance Preston, executive director of the Rainbow Youth Project, which provides crisis intervention services, told The Advocate that the removal of LGBTQ-specific services from 988 is devastating for youth already struggling to trust government systems. “Young callers already feel like the government hates them and doesn’t want them to exist,” Preston said. He warned that removing familiar, affirming options like the LGBTQ queue on 988 reinforces isolation and hopelessness. “For a lot of kids, 988 was sometimes the only number they knew by heart because teachers and counselors could safely give it out. Losing that connection isn’t just about convenience — it’s about survival.”

Related: Advocates and health experts worry Trump's suicide prevention hotline cuts will increase LGBTQ+ youth deaths

Preston emphasized that calls to crisis lines surged following the 2024 election, with Rainbow Youth Project’s hotline volume tripling. He also cautioned that while 988 still exists, the absence of an LGBTQ-specific option could deter young people from seeking help, especially when many already fear that non-affirming counselors or government-linked systems could betray their trust. “Getting a kid to make one call is huge,” Preston said. “Getting them to call back a second or third time if that first experience isn’t affirming is almost impossible.”

Where to find affirming support

LGBTQ+ people still have several trusted options for crisis support, including:

• The Trevor Project offers around-the-clock crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24 and can be reached at (866) 488-7386.
• Trans Lifeline, at (877) 565-8860, provides peer-led support by and for transgender people, offering confidential help without mandatory law enforcement involvement.
• The LGBT National Hotline is available at (888) 843-4564 for peer support and information.
• Text-based support is available through Crisis Text Line by texting START to 741-741.
• The Rainbow Youth Project operates its national crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, with services available through rainbowyouthproject.org. Their counselors are specifically trained to address the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ callers facing isolation, family rejection, and legislative hostility.
• PFLAG National, which has more than 300 chapters nationwide, continues to provide local community-based support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones. More information about chapters and resources is available at pflag.org.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline remains reachable by dialing 988, although identity-specific services may be diminished soon.

Advocates stress that support remains available, and LGBTQ+ people are not alone.

If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.