Pedro Pascal supports LGBTQ youth suicide prevention funding, joining over 100 public figures in demanding that Congress preserve $50 million set aside for life-saving mental health programs, following news that this funding may be eliminated from the next federal budget. The call comes as the Department of Health and Human Services reportedly considers removing all funds for LGBTQ youth suicide prevention through the 988 crisis line, a move drawing broad criticism from advocates and celebrities alike.
High-Profile Petition Seeks to Protect Critical Resources
A coalition that includes Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, and Pedro Pascal recently signed an open letter addressed to U.S. lawmakers, urging them to maintain funding for programs specifically supporting LGBTQ youth. This letter, supported by actors, musicians, and other creators, responds directly to leaked documents from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that suggest a complete withdrawal of financial support for 988 crisis assistance directed at young people in the LGBTQ community.
“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,”
—Open Letter from Artists, Creators, and Public Figures
According to the letter, since launching in 2022, the 988 suicide prevention program has facilitated close to 1.3 million crisis interactions with LGBTQ+ youth, guiding them to affirming and potentially life-saving care at their most vulnerable points. Advocates emphasize that suicide among LGBTQ youth is a pressing public health emergency and requires sustained attention and resources from government bodies.
“Nearly 1.3 million crisis contacts with life-saving, affirming care to LGBTQ+ young people during their most vulnerable moments. Suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is a public health crisis, and it should be treated as such.”
—Open Letter from Artists, Creators, and Public Figures
Celebrity Support Broadens the Movement
Alongside well-known supporters such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Paulson, Daniel Radcliffe, Margaret Cho, Troye Sivan, Kelsea Ballerini, Sutton Stacke, Alan Cumming, Paul Feig, Dylan Mulvaney, David Archuleta, Bob the Drag Queen, Orville Peck, Colton Underwood, Hunter Doohan, Benito Skinner, and Franke Grande, the petition has drawn attention to the urgent need for federal involvement in youth suicide prevention. Their collective voices aim to keep the focus on the wellbeing of vulnerable young people rather than political divisions.
“This is about people, not politics,”
—Open Letter from Artists, Creators, and Public Figures
“At a time of deep division, let this be something we as Americans 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.”
—Open Letter from Artists, Creators, and Public Figures
Advocacy Groups Stress Life-or-Death Consequences
Leadership from the Trevor Project, including CEO Jaymes Black, has publicly thanked celebrities for their advocacy, underscoring the unique challenges LGBTQ youth face. Black noted the heightened risks these populations experience due to social stigma, rejection, and discrimination. He also reinforced the need for specialized and competent care for groups at greater risk—not only LGBTQ youth but also veterans—provided by trained counselors via crisis programs like 988.
“I am deeply grateful to the influential voices in entertainment who are speaking out and reminding the public that suicide prevention is about people – not politics,”
—Jaymes Black, CEO, Trevor Project
“It is clinical best practice for highly trained counselors to provide competent care to high-risk communities, including LGBTQ+ youth and veterans. LGBTQ+ young people disproportionately experience rejection, stigma, and discrimination, and are navigating a world that too often tells them they don’t belong.”
—Jaymes Black, CEO, Trevor Project
As Congress weighs the next federal budget, the future of LGBTQ youth suicide prevention funding remains uncertain. With high-profile individuals and organizations rallying together, the message is clear: supporting at-risk youth is an urgent and nonpartisan issue, and stripping essential funding could have devastating real-world consequences.
