Yes, this really happened.
According to Australia's queer news outlet the Star Observer, the Rainbow Youth Project (an "LGBTQIA+ mental health crisis center") experienced a surge of calls as Donald Trump was being inaugurated.
Since Monday 6am, their national crisis hotline received over 1,400 calls from youth in significant distress, highlighting the urgent need for increased support and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth facing mental and emotional health emergencies.
The crisis center had previously reported a spike in calls immediately following Trump's election victory in November, with American LGBTQIA+ youth apparently freaking out that really horrible things would result.
You know, like safety, prosperity, and other desperately needed horrors.
Volunteers, who usually handle an average of 3700 calls each month, have seen figures skyrocket in November and December, with over 8000 calls per month. In the first 19 days of 2025, the hotline received close to 4000 calls.
The nonprofit's leadership vowed to continue providing the support its callers need, no matter how great everything in America might get under Trump.
‘Our hotline serves as a critical lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth grappling with the challenges of bullying, social stigmatization, and the looming threat of institutionalized discrimination,' said Kristen Johnston, case manager and crisis team leader at the Rainbow Youth Project USA Foundation. ‘The data we're seeing is alarming, and it underscores the urgent need for advocacy, community support, and immediate action to protect our youth.'
Hey, on the bright side, at least they're realizing they're suffering from mental health crises.
Maybe they'll eventually reach out for actual help for it.
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
