California LGBTQ+ crisis resources: What to know after Trump cuts hotline funding
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has slashed funding to LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations across the country.
Now, his administration has pulled the plug on a national suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ people, claiming it promotes “radical gender ideology,” according to Reuters.
The federal cut leaves a major gap in mental health support.
Despite ongoing uncertainty about federal funding in California, local organizations are stepping up.
Here’s what to know:
Why are LGBTQ+ community resources important?
According to experts, LGBTQ+ people face significantly higher risks of suicide, depression and other mental health challenges — often linked to stigma, discrimination and a lack of affirming support.
These risks are especially high for young people.
According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
Transgender and nonbinary youth face even greater mental health risks, including higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts, compared to cisgender and straight youth.
LGBTQ+-specific mental health services offer trained support for experiences that general providers often aren’t equipped to address, such as coming out, exploring gender identity and coping with anti-LGBTQ+ harassment.
Until recently, The Trevor Project’s national crisis hotline offered around-the-clock support from counselors trained specifically to meet those needs.
According to Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black, the hotline reached more than 1.3 million young people.
In a video posted to The Trevor Project’s Instagram account, Black said the Trump administration eliminated federal funding for that hotline, cutting off a vital lifeline.
“LGBTQ+ youth are not inherently at high risk,” Black said in the video, posted Tuesday. “They are placed at high risk because of the way society treats them. We must protect these young folks at all costs.”
Where can I find LGBTQ support services in Modesto, Stanislaus County?
- Central Valley Pride Center, 508 13th St., Modesto: Community center and safe space offering peer-led support groups, educational workshops and referrals for mental and medical resources. 209-567-2124
- Josie’s Place Drop-In Center, 1208 Ninth St., Modesto: LGBT-focused drop-in and support group for transitional-age youth ages 18 to 25, offering peer support around identity, coping strategies and life skills. 209-558-4644
- Central California LGBTQIA+ Collaborative,
1202 H St., Suite D, Modesto:
Advocacy Center serving Modesto and the Central Valley provides peer support, navigation and advocacy including help for unhoused LGBTQ+ people, plus a clothing pantry and community events. 209-408-8848. - The PLACE Youth Group: Support group for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14 to 20. Meets twice monthly at College Avenue United Church of Christ, 1341 College Ave. in Modesto. 209-818-2378 or 209-683-8203
- Stanislaus County Crisis Lines: 24/7 mental-health crisis support is available via the Stanislaus County Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 209-558-4600.
Does SLO have gay, lesbian and transgender support groups?
- Gala Pride & Diversity Center, 1060 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo, provides support groups, referrals and a welcoming drop-in space for LGBTQ+ people of all ages. 805-541-4252
- Tranz Central Coast: Transgender-support nonprofit group offers outreach, advocacy and resources to help transgender and gender-diverse people live safely and authentically. 805-242-3821
- Lumina Alliance: San Luis Obispo County 24/7 crisis hotline for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. 805-545-8888
How to find queer health care in Fresno
- Fresno EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center, 250 Fulton St, Fresno: Supportive services for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages, including peer support groups and referrals. 559-325‑4527
- Fresno Collective for Inclusive Medicine, 3032 Tulare St., Fresno: Fresno’s first queer-led health clinic, providing inclusive primary and specialty care including gynecology, pediatrics, electrolysis and hormone therapy for LGBTQ+ patients. 559-889‑3246
- Trans E-Motion: Central-Valley trans-led nonprofit offering programs for transgender/gender-expansive people, including grants gender-affirming clothing drives, peer workshops and advocacy. transemotion@gmail.com
Is there LGBTQ support in Merced County?
- Merced LGBTQ+ Alliance: Grassroots group hosts community events, advocacy campaigns and educational outreach, offering safe spaces and visibility efforts for LGBTQ+ residents of Merced County. mercedlgbtqalliance@gmail.com
- Merced Pride Center: Volunteer-run resource hub that provides support groups, youth programs, community education and events, including Merced Pride. info@mercedpridecenter.org
This story was originally published June 20, 2025 at 12:02 PM with the headline "California LGBTQ+ crisis resources: What to know after Trump cuts hotline funding."
