The Trevor Project’s classic crisis services — phone, text, and chat — saw a 33 percent increase in volume on Monday, the day Donald Trump was sworn in as president, compared to weeks prior. The next day, volume was up 46 percent compared to typical daily rates in the previous weeks.
The volume increase follows a record-breaking 700 percent increase observed across the Trevor Project’s crisis lines on November 6, the day after the presidential election. The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.
“No matter your political beliefs or how you feel about the current administration, one thing must be made clear to all of us living in the United States: Real young people’s lives are at risk — and we must take immediate action to support LGBTQ+ youth,” said a statement from Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black. “Suicide prevention transcends politics. And we are sounding the alarm for all lawmakers, community leaders, and adults who care about the health and survival of young people in their communities: The political targeting of LGBTQ+ youth — and transgender and nonbinary youth in particular — must stop. Whether it was the 700 percent increase on our lines following Election Day in November or the 33 percent increase we saw [Monday], we urge lawmakers and the media to recognize the impact that their rhetoric can have on young people’s health and safety, and do better. For any LGBTQ+ young person who needs support, the Trevor Project remains here for you, always.”
Trump’s inauguration also led to a surge in calls at another organization that serves LGBTQ+ youth in crisis, the Rainbow Youth Project USA Foundation. The nonprofit group reported over 1,400 calls to its national hotline by early afternoon — a significant surge that coincided with Trump’s speech and the anti-LGBTQ+ policies he outlined.
Trump started his second term with a barrage of executive orders, including some anti-LGBTQ+ ones. One stated that the federal government will recognize only two genders, male and female, erasing transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people.
Janson Wu, senior director of state advocacy and government affairs at the Trevor Project, issued a statement in anticipation of the order. “One thing must be made clear: regardless of if, when, or how [Monday’s] anticipated anti-transgender executive order — and others like it — may be implemented, targeting the transgender and nonbinary community on day one will cause harm — especially for young people. No matter a person’s political beliefs, we know, from our research and from what LGBTQ+ young people tell us, that policies like these take a damaging toll on LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health. Supporting young people’s health and well-being transcends politics, and we urge all elected officials and the media to understand the dangers that anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric pose for LGBTQ+ youth across the country.
“We know that many people are feeling afraid, or even confused, by what certain actions [Monday] and in the coming days mean for our community. I want to remind everyone that we are prepared for whatever lies ahead — and will continue to protect and care for each other now, just as we always have. For any young person who needs support, the Trevor Project’s counselors are available 24/7, and we remain committed to working alongside our partners, allies, and advocates on the ground to protect LGBTQ+ young people, and we will fight to create a country where all young people feel safe, supported, and seen exactly as they are.”
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit988lifeline.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.