More than 100 well-known figures from the entertainment world, including Ariana Grande, Pedro Pascal, and Jamie Lee Curtis, have signed an open letter. This letter voices strong opposition to a proposal from the Donald Trump administration that would remove federal support for suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. The artists are urging the White House and lawmakers to protect funding for these vital services.
Entertainment Industry’s Unified Stand
The open letter was released by The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people. The letter asks for continued funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The signatories express deep concern about the serious effects such a funding cut could have on young people across the United States.
The letter states:
“We are heartbroken by the proposal to eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services — a move that will have devastating, life-threatening consequences for young people across the country.”
The celebrities who signed the letter come from various areas of music, film, and television. They highlighted their influence and their duty to use their platforms for good. They made it clear that they must speak out to protect the mental health and lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
The letter also tried to move the discussion away from political differences. It stated:
“This is about people, not politics. At a time of deep division, 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.”
Widespread Support from Public Figures
Beyond the main names, many other public figures have also joined the effort. These include Dua Lipa, Sarah Paulson, Cara Delevingne, Paul Feig, Bob the Drag Queen, Troye Sivan, Alan Cumming, Margaret Cho, Josh Hutcherson, David Archuleta, Jonathan Van Ness, Bobby Berk, Nathan Lane, Kelsea Ballerini, Diplo, Benito Skinner, Orville Peck, Jake Shane, Dwyane Wade, Julia Michaels, Noah Cyrus, and Paris Hilton. This broad support shows a united front from the entertainment community.
The letter also talked about the importance of visibility and telling diverse stories. It explained that showing LGBTQ+ young people positive role models can be life-saving.
The celebrities noted:
“We also recognise the consequential impact we can have on showing LGBTQ+ young people possibility models. Telling stories about the diverse tapestry of humanity is what makes art powerful, and representation can be life-saving. At this moment, LGBTQ+ youth are hearing messages that question and criticize their identities and their existence. We must show them that there are still so many people fighting for their rights.”
A Message Directly to LGBTQ+ Youth
The message then shifted to a personal address for the young people who might be affected by these proposed funding cuts. It offered words of support and encouragement.
The letter conveyed:
“To every LGBTQ+ young person reading this: you are not alone. We see you. We value you. You have the right to feel safe, supported, and loved exactly as you are. You deserve access to life-saving services that honor your humanity. You may be hurting. You may be scared. You may feel like no one hears you — but we do. We will keep showing up and speaking out. We will not stop fighting for you.”
Background of the Proposed Cuts
The open letter comes after reports of a leaked draft of the Trump administration’s upcoming budget proposal. This proposal reportedly suggests ending federal investment in the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services that are part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If these cuts are approved, they would begin on October 1.
The Trevor Project has stated that since 2022, the program has connected almost 1.3 million crisis contacts with support for LGBTQ+ young people during difficult times. The letter ended with a strong statement of unity and determination, emphasizing hope, dignity, and the worth of every LGBTQ+ young person’s life.
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