Montgomery Co., LGBTQ+ leaders discuss potential impact of Trump's suicide hotline proposal
On Wednesday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and leaders in the county's LGBTQ+ community say the changes could be a matter of life and death.
'This presidency has brought a heightened level of fear and uncertainty not only for myself,' Phillip Alexander Downie, CEO of the MoCo Pride Center, said, 'but for many LGBTQIA+ people.'
First-ever Capital Cup in DMV celebrates LGBTQ+ sports community
Downie grew up in Montgomery County and says he's pleased with the progress the county has made in creating safe spaces for him and others in the LGBTQ+ community to be themselves authentically.
'Having local governments like Montgomery County actively affirm our community makes all of the difference,' he said.
But Downie says that progress is now being threatened by the Trump Administration.
'To have a current president and administration who is actively seeking to dismantle protections for anyone who is not a white, cis, straight male, 'he said, 'that is extremely scary.'
According to a leaked draft of the federal budget, President Trump has plans to eliminate a service within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline that specifically serves the LGBTQ+ community. Downie says this would be detrimental if passed.
'It's lifesaving,' he said, 'It is absolutely lifesaving having that number available for youth.'
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich agrees.
'We all know that the LGBTQ+ community youth face higher risks of suicide,' Elrich said. 'Cutting off support in the middle of a mental health crisis is cruel and it's dangerous.'
Dr. Amena Johnson serves as the LGBTQ+ Liaison in the county's Office of Community Partnership. She worries about what may be in store for the LGBTQ+ community over the next three years.
'It is very clear in the wording that this administration is using that they are trying to criminalize parents that support their trans children,' Johnson said, 'but also, anyone who supports transpeople and trans youth.'
President Trump's budget is not yet finalized.
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