Over 100 celebrities, including Pedro Pascal, Sabrina Carpenter, Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa, and others, have co-signed a letter for suicide prevention amongst LGBTQ+ youth. The note highlights the negative impact of the Trump administration’s proposal to scrap a suicide hotline for LGBTQ young people.
Without further ado, here’s everything to know about this initiative and the celebrities who have joined in.
Pedro Pascal sign letter for protection of LGBTQ+
Ariana Grande, Daniel Radcliffe, Pedro Pascal, Sabrina Carpenter, and many others have signed a letter shared by an LGBTQ+ suicide prevention organization.
The letter by The Trevor Project slams the Trump Administration’s proposal of removing a suicide helpline number for queer youth. In it, the artists stated, “We are heartbroken by the proposal to eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services.” They further stated that the decision to remove the hotline can have “devastating” and “life-threatening consequences.”
Moreover, the celebrities unitedly said, “As artists, creators, and public figures, our platforms come with responsibility. And today, that responsibility is clear: we must speak out to protect the mental health and lives of LGBTQ+ youth. We will not stay silent.”
As per the letter, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has connected over “1.3 million crisis contacts with life-saving, affirming care to LGBTQ+ young people.” Considering “suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is a public health crisis,” the artists have urged the administration to consider the “people” and not “politics.”
“Let this be something we as people can all agree on: no young person should be left without help in their darkest moment. Stripping away this lifeline leaves LGBTQ+ youth with the message that their lives are not worth saving. We refuse to accept that message,” the letter stated.
Previously, reports claimed the Trump administration has slashed more than $800 million worth of research into LGBTQ+ health. Over 323 research grants regarding queer health issues also lost their funding. (via The New York Times)
The administration also proposed removing the suicide helpline number for LGBTQ+ youth. Elsewhere, the University of Michigan lost several funding sources for clinical trials involving LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, several academics have condemned the budget cuts that halt the progressive work on many life-threatening diseases.
Originally reported by Arpita Adhya on ComingSoon.net.
