Jim Parsons slams Trump for axing LGBTQ+ lifeline: ‘It’s criminal’

Actor Jim Parsons is speaking out against the Trump administration’s controversial decision to eliminate the LGBTQ+ option from the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

In a recent appearance on MSNBC’s The Weekend (via The Daily Beast), The Big Bang Theory star called the move “quite literally criminal.” Parsons, who is openly gay and married his husband Todd Spiewak in 2017, criticized the administration for what he believes is a cruel and unnecessary rollback of mental health services.

As of July 18, callers to the 988 Lifeline can no longer “press 3” to reach counselors trained specifically in LGBTQ+ crisis issues. The LGBTQ+ option, which had rerouted around 1.5 million callers over three years, was discontinued by the Trump administration in June, sparking widespread backlash.

“It is only hurtful and feels like it’s being done to make a point—that certain people are not welcome,” Parsons said.

The decision also drew condemnation from advocacy groups like The Trevor Project. CEO Jaymes Black said it “puts young LGBTQ+ lives at risk.” Senator Tammy Baldwin echoed these concerns, calling the shutdown “absolutely cruel” and politically charged.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) responded by assuring the public that all 988 callers will still receive support from trained crisis counselors. But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, the loss of a dedicated option feels like a dangerous setback.

Parsons’ comments amplify growing concern that the decision undermines mental health access for one of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.