Ariana Grande, Pedro Pascal, and Dua Lipa are some of the names of the industry that have joined to sign an open letter. It criticizes the recent proposal –filtrada– of the Trump Administration that seeks to cut the funds for the suicide prevention programs of young LGBTQ+: “Congress must save the national line of mental health crisis for young people LGBTQ+ 988”.
This has happened at the beginning of the pride month, in collaboration with the non -profit organization Trevor Project, where more than 100 celebrities have signed a letter asking, more specifically, the protection of 50 million dollars destined to protect federal funds for the prevention of suicide LGBTQ+.
“As artists, creators and public figures, our platforms imply a responsibility,” says the letter. “And today, that responsibility is clear: we must talk to protect the mental health and life of young LGBTQ+. We will not be silent.”
Three years have passed since the implementation in the United States of line 988 for suicide or crisis prevention, which has provided help to more 14 million people, since, according to Trevor Project reports, LGBTQ+ adolescents are four times more prone to a suicide attempt.
“This is about people, not politics,” continues the letter. “In a moment of deep division, let’s let this be something that we can all agree on: no young man should run out of help in their darkest moment. Decking them from this lifeguard, leaves the young LGBTQ+ with the message that their lives do not deserve to be saved. We refuse to accept that message.”
“At this time, LGBTQ+ young people are listening to messages that question and criticize their identity and existence. We must show them that there are still many people fighting for their rights.” He adds: “To all young LGBTQ+ who read this: they are not alone. We value you. You have the right to feel safe, supported and dear exactly as you are. You may feel that no one listens to you, but we do. We will continue to appear and denounce. We will not stop fighting for you.”
Several figures participating in the open letter have declared allies of the LGBTQ+ community previously. Some of them even express their support from the family environment, such as Pedro Pascal, who has a transgender sister, or Ariana Grande, who has a homosexual brother.
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In a recent statement, Jaymes Black, the executive director of Trevor Project, thanked the signatories of the Charter – who updates new signatories daily. “I am deeply grateful to the influential voices in the entertainment that are talking and reminding the public that suicide prevention is people, not politics.” He adds: “The Trevor Project will continue working with anyone who is committed to the prevention of young people LGBTQ+ and with the protection of federal financing that helps save lives from young people LGBTQ+ every day.”
