“As artists, creators and public figures, our platforms entail a responsibility. And today that responsibility is clear: We must raise the voice to protect the mental health and lives of young LGTBIQ+”, Says the public letter signed by a hundred personalities from the world of culture and entertainment, among which are Pedro Pascal and Ariana Grande. “We will not be silent,” he adds.
This text was born after last April a draft of the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services of the United States was filtered. This document includes A plan to eliminate funds to Federal Program 988a telephone line that attends to young LGTBIQ+ with suicidal ideas.
The letter emphasizes that, since it was launched in 2022, The line has attended almost 1.3 million LGTBIQ+ young people in their most vulnerable moments. In addition, they ask that the suicide among young LGTBIQ+ in question as “A public health crisis”since the number of suicide attempts in this population quadruple to that of young cisheterosexuals. According to The Trevor Project data, CDA year, 1.8 million young LGTBIQ+ consider suicide in the United States.
“This is about people, not politics. In a time of deep division, that we all agree on this: No young man should be unattended at their darkest time. Eliminating this lifeguard leaves LGTBIQ+ youth with the message that their lives do not deserve to be saved. We refuse to accept this message, ”continues the letter, which expressly asks the Congress to maintain and protect line 988 in the 2026 budgets.
In addition to Pascal and Grande, the letter has the firm of artists such as Troye Sivan, Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, Fletcher, Frankie Grande, Ethel Cain, Bob the Drag Queen, Sarah Paulson, Cara Delevingne, Josh Hutcherson and Daniel Radcliffe.
LGTBIQ+ representation as lifeguard
The letter also stands out The importance of LGTBIQ+ representation. “Telling stories about the diverse tapestry of humanity is what makes art powerful, and Representation can save lives. At this time, LGTBIQ+ youth is listening to messages that question and criticize their identity and existence. We must teach them that there are many people fighting for their rights”
“To all young LGTBIQ+ who are reading this: You are not alone. We see you. We value you. You have the right to feel safe, supported and loved as you are. You may be suffering. You may be scared. You may feel that nobody listens to you, but we do it. We will remain visible and raising the voice. We will not stop fighting for you, ”he concludes.
