Out Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her Republican colleague Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced bipartisan legislation to restore the vital “option 3” LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention hotline, which was introduced in 2022 and abruptly shut down by President Donald Trump in July.

The new 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act would codify the lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ young people into law and require Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr to dedicate sufficient resources for “establishing, re-establishing, operating, and maintaining” the service.

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“We are in the middle of a mental health crisis, and the 988 lifeline saves lives, plain and simple,” Baldwin said in a statement introducing the bill.

“There is absolutely no good reason that Donald Trump took away this specialized help for our LGBTQ youth. Mental health does not see partisan lines or geography, and I’m proud to be working with Democrats and Republicans to do what’s right and ensure that all kids have access to the help they need – regardless of who is President,” she added.

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Baldwin wrote and shepherded the original legislation establishing the service three years ago. Through July, the lifeline received over 17.7 million contacts, including 12 million calls, 3.1 million texts, and 2.6 million chats.

Engagements with the help line reached a peak following Trump’s inauguration.

The Trevor Project found that nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year, while 12% of LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide, more than four times the rate of their straight peers.

“These services remain pressing,” said Jaymes Black, The Trevor Project’s CEO. “We are doing everything we can to fill the gaps in crisis care caused by the ‘Press 3’ shutdown.”

Black said she was encouraged by the bipartisan effort to restore the service.

“This is not about politics, or identity; this is about doing what is best to support our country’s highest risk populations – and save young people’s lives nationwide,” Black said. 

Companion legislation was introduced in the House concurrently by five co-sponsors, including out member Sharice Davids (D-KS).

“By codifying ‘Option 3’ into law, this bill sends a clear message: our LGBTQ+ youth matter,” said GLSEN’s Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers with the legislation’s announcement. “They deserve support, safety, and someone to turn to in their darkest moments. We’re proud to see leaders on both sides of the aisle standing up for their lives.”

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860) is staffed by trans people and will not contact law enforcement. The Trevor Project provides a safe, judgement-free place to talk for youth via chat, text (678-678), or phone (1-866-488-7386). Help is available at all three resources in English and Spanish.

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