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Key Points

Pedro Pascal, Ariana Grande, and Dua Lipa are part of a group of celebrities advocating for the protection of federal funds allocated for LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention. They have signed an open letter opposing the draft budget of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which plans to eliminate all funding for such services through the 988 program. Since its launch in 2022, the 988 program has significantly aided LGBTQ+ youth by offering critical crisis support. This action gains even more relevance as it aligns with Pride Month, amplifying the call to protect mental health resources for at-risk youth.

Key Points: Pedro Pascal and Ariana Grande Urge LGBTQ+ Youth Support

  • Celebrities call for LGBTQ+ youth support funding
  • $50M federal funds at risk
  • Draft budget cuts 988 program
  • Letter released during Pride month
2 min read

Pedro Pascal, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa sign open letter supporting federal funding for LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention

Celebs demand protection of $50M federal funds for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention.

"We will not stay silent. - Open Letter"

Los Angeles, June 2

Celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter have signed an open letter calling for the protection of USD 50 million in federal funds earmarked for LGBTQ youth suicide prevention programs.

As per Variety, the letter comes following an April news report about the leaked draft of the budget of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.The draft reportedly calls for plans to eliminate all funding for LGBTQ youth suicide prevention services through 988, a federal program that provides emergency crisis support to LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide.

"As artists, creators, and public figures, our platforms come with responsibility. And today, that responsibility is clear: we must speak out to protect the mental health and lives of LGBTQ+ youth," the beginning of the letter reads, in part. "We will not stay silent."

The letter goes onto explain that since its launch in 2022, the 988 program has helped connect "nearly 1.3 million crisis contacts with life-saving, affirming care to LGBTQ+ young people during their most vulnerable moments. Suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is a public health crisis, and it should be treated as such."

The letter, which has been released during Pride month, also features names such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Paulson, Orville Peck, Bob the Drag Queen. Daniel Radcliffe, Troye Sivan, Alan Cumming, Margaret Cho, Nathan Lane, Kelsea Ballerini, director Paul Feig, Dylan Mulvaney, David Archuleta, Benito Skinner, Sutton Stacke, Franke Grande, Colton Underwood and "Wednesday" star Hunter Doohan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
It's heartwarming to see global celebrities using their platform for such an important cause. Mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth is crucial everywhere, including India where we struggle with similar issues. More awareness is needed in our society too! 🌈
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wonder why Indian celebrities aren't as vocal about our own LGBTQ+ issues. We have Section 377 gone but societal acceptance still lags far behind. Our stars should take note from these Western celebrities.
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Ananya M.
Suicide prevention for any community is important, but I hope they're also addressing the root causes of why LGBTQ youth feel this way. Just having a helpline isn't enough - society needs to change its mindset. Proud of these celebs for speaking up though! 👏
V
Vikram J.
Interesting to see this during Pride month. In India, we need more concrete actions beyond just rainbow flags on social media. Maybe our government should also allocate funds for mental health programs targeting LGBTQ youth who face so much discrimination.
S
Sneha P.
As someone who's lost a friend to suicide, this hits close to home. Doesn't matter if they're LGBTQ+ or not - every life matters. More power to these celebrities for using their influence to save lives. We need this kind of initiative in India too.
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Karan D.
While I support the cause, I hope these programs are properly monitored. Taxpayer money should be used effectively. Also curious - do they have similar programs for other at-risk groups? Mental health crisis affects many communities.

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