Fact Check: SAMHSA's Statement Removed 'T' and 'Q' from LGBTQ Acronym
What We Know
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently announced the discontinuation of specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This decision was made by the Trump administration and has been met with significant backlash from mental health advocates and organizations like The Trevor Project. Notably, SAMHSA's statement regarding this change omitted the "T" for transgender and "Q" for queer from the commonly used LGBTQ acronym, instead referring to "LGB+" (Chatterjee & Simmons-Duffin, 2025; BBC). This omission has been interpreted as a removal of recognition for transgender and queer individuals within the context of these services.
The 988 Lifeline was launched in 2022 and included a pilot program specifically designed to support LGBTQ youth, who are statistically at a higher risk for suicide. According to recent surveys, approximately 40% of LGBTQ youth have considered suicide, and the need for specialized services has been well documented (Chatterjee & Simmons-Duffin, 2025; NPR). The decision to eliminate these services has raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable youth who rely on them for support.
Analysis
The claim that SAMHSA's statement removed the "T" and "Q" from the LGBTQ acronym is supported by multiple credible sources. Both NPR and BBC reported that SAMHSA's announcement explicitly used "LGB+" instead of the full acronym, which typically includes transgender and queer individuals (Chatterjee & Simmons-Duffin, 2025; BBC). This change in terminology has been criticized as aligning with language often used by anti-trans activists, which further complicates the narrative surrounding the administration's policies on LGBTQ issues (MSNBC, 2025; [source-5]).
The reliability of the sources reporting this information is high. NPR and BBC are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provide thorough coverage of health and social issues, and their reports are based on statements from SAMHSA and reactions from mental health advocates. Additionally, the data regarding the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ youth is supported by research from organizations like The Trevor Project, which has been actively involved in providing crisis support to this demographic.
However, it is important to note that the context of this decision is politically charged, as it coincides with broader efforts by the Trump administration to limit services and support for transgender individuals. This political backdrop may influence interpretations of the decision and the language used in official statements.
Conclusion
The claim that SAMHSA's statement removed the "T" and "Q" from the LGBTQ acronym is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the agency's announcement specifically used "LGB+" instead of the full acronym, which has significant implications for the recognition and support of transgender and queer individuals within mental health services. The decision to eliminate specialized services for LGBTQ youth, particularly during a time when these individuals face heightened risks, raises serious concerns among mental health advocates.
Sources
- LGBTQI+ Youth – Like All Americans, They Deserve ...
- Trump administration ends 988 suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ ...
- Trump administration ends LGBTQ youth option on US suicide hotline - BBC
- Trump Administration Will End L.G.B.T.Q. Suicide Prevention Service
- The Trump administration cut funding to a vital lifeline for LGBTQ youth
- HHS to end specialized LGBTQ+ services for youths ...
