In a shocking move that has left LGBTQ+ youth across the country reeling, the Trump administration has announced the removal of the 988 hotline service specifically tailored to support and help LGBTQ+ youth in crisis. This decision has sparked outrage and confusion among members of the community, as well as those who support them.
The hotline, which was set to launch in July, was designed to provide a safe and confidential space for LGBTQ+ youth to seek help and support during times of crisis. However, the Trump administration has deemed the service unnecessary and has instead redirected the funding towards something they believe is more important: a new line of MAGA hats.
When asked about the reasoning behind this decision, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany stated, “We believe that LGBTQ+ youth can find support in other ways, such as through prayer or by simply pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. We are confident that they will be just fine without this hotline.”
However, not everyone is convinced by this explanation. LGBTQ+ activist and drag queen extraordinaire, Glitter Sparklebottom, had this to say: “This is outrageous! LGBTQ+ youth deserve to have access to resources that can help them during difficult times. And let’s be real, prayer and bootstraps are not going to cut it.”
In response to the backlash, the Trump administration has proposed a new solution: a hotline specifically for straight, white, cisgender males in crisis. When asked about this new hotline, Vice President Mike Pence stated, “We believe that it’s important to support those who are truly in need, and let’s face it, straight white men are the most marginalized group in America.”
As the LGBTQ+ community continues to fight for equal rights and support, one thing is clear: this decision by the Trump administration will not go unnoticed. In the words of LGBTQ+ advocate Rainbow Sunshine, “We will not be silenced. We will continue to fight for our rights and for the resources we deserve. And if that means we have to wear even more glitter and sequins to get our message across, then so be it.”
