A troubling draft of the budget from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates potential cuts of $50 million from federal funding designated for LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention programs. In response to this alarming development, over 100 prominent celebrities, including Pedro Pascal, Ariana Grande, and Jamie Lee Curtis, have come together to sign an open letter urging lawmakers to reconsider these cuts.
The letter emphasizes the critical role that this funding plays in protecting the mental health and lives of LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting the responsibility that public figures have to speak out against such budget reductions. The signatories assert that the program has served nearly 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people since its inception in 2022 and underscore the urgent need for these resources, given that LGBTQ+ youth are significantly more likely to contemplate suicide than their peers.
Statistics quoted in the letter paint a stark picture: approximately 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youths in the U.S. consider suicide each year, with an alarming frequency of attempts occurring every 45 seconds. The celebrities urge that this issue is a public health crisis that warrants a serious commitment from lawmakers to ensure these vital services continue.
In a heartfelt conclusion, the letter reassures members of the LGBTQ+ community that they are not alone and deserve love and support. They called on the community to recognize their worth and the importance of access to life-saving resources. Among the signatories are various notable figures such as Alan Cumming, Cara Delevingne, and Christina Aguilera, and the letter remains open for others to add their names in solidarity. An accompanying petition via Action Network is also available for public support.
This initiative illuminates the power of collective advocacy in addressing pressing social issues and demonstrates a united front in protecting vulnerable communities. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all share in fighting for the wellbeing of youth, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.