Latest news with #TheTrevorProject
Sky News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News
'I'll never shut up': Fantastic Four's Pedro Pascal on using fame to highlight issues he cares about
Pedro Pascal is everywhere right now. You walk into the cinema and he's on most of the film posters there: Fantastic Four: First Steps, Eddington, The Materialists and The Uninvited. With that level of public attention, you wouldn't be shocked to see the actor become closed off. Shielded by a sea of publicists maintaining a studio's desired image and an influx of influencers replacing film reporters, public figures speaking their mind in Hollywood have become somewhat of a rarity. Perhaps this is why the delayed yet meteoric rise to fame for Pedro Pascal feels refreshing for his fans. In between self-promotion for his latest projects, the Chilean-American uses his fame to highlight causes he cares about by wearing "Protect The Dolls" T-shirts in public settings, posting about food blockades into Gaza and linking non-profit organisations, Doctors Without Borders and The Trevor Project, on his Instagram account where he has over 11 million followers. In a time where a single sentence can be taken out of context in a TikTok post or altered to suit a narrative driven by a headline (and yes, the irony of writing this does not go unnoticed), speaking candidly can feel like you're walking into a trap. "I think it's very easy to get scared no matter what you sort of talk about," the actor tells Sky News. "There's so many different ways that things can get kind of fractured and have a life of itself really." He adds: "It's sort of a business part of the way media can work really. There's one thing that you can say and no matter what your intention behind it, it is absolutely lost in all of these different headlines, I suppose, but I'll never shut up." It's the last line, "I'll never shut up", that echoes after our four minute and two second conversation in the midst of a days-long "press run" in London for the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The 50-year-old knows one misstep in an increasingly reactive media industry can shatter the careers of many. Pascal is aware of the dangers but uses his voice anyway. It's that decision that makes him "fantastic", maybe more so than his role as Dr Richard Reeds in The Fantastic Four: First Steps - a character quite literally weighed down with the worries of the world on his shoulders whilst simultaneously welcoming new life with his wife Sue Storm. The film, directed by WandaVision's Matt Shakman, stands alone in its own universe within the MCU and also features Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss Bachrach and Joseph Quinn.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Big Bang Theory' Star Slams Trump Administration For ‘Criminal' Move Against LGBTQ+ Youth
'Big Bang Theory' star Jim Parsons is slamming President Donald Trump for this 'criminal' decision. The president's administration announced in June that it was shutting down the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ youth service, and Parsons believes he knows why it's happening. 'I think it's quite literally criminal,' said Parsons, who is gay, during an appearance on MSNBC's 'The Weekend' program. 'It's one of the kinds of decisions that you're like, 'There's no good reason for it.'' 'It doesn't matter what reason you ever put towards it or say it's the reason it's happening, it's never going to be justified,' the actor said. 'It is only hurtful. 'It feels like it's only being done in order to make a point ... Like, 'We're getting rid of this because we want to make sure certain people understand they're not welcome here,'' Parsons added. The LGBTQ+ youth services section of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in September 2022, allowing anyone who called 988 to then select option 3 to receive mental health support tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project, one of the groups that had contracted with the government to provide counseling for LGBTQ+ youth, issued a statement after news that the specialized program would close. 'This is devastating, to say the least. Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,' said the organization, which will continue to offer services via its own hotline. 'The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.'
CBS News
20-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
San Francisco LGBTQ community concerned about end of specialized 988 care for struggling youth
As of Thursday, the LGBTQ youth support option on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has ended, but Gov. Gavin Newsom said in California, those services will remain. The move to remove the services started in June, when the Trump administration announced on June 17 it would eliminate the LGBTQ+ specific services. It's a change that 17-year-old Maya Leach said could be deadly. "These are people are extremely high risk and if they don't have the proper resources they can very easily take their own lives," explained Leach. Leach was devastated by the news but not surprised. "I myself am an LGBTQIA+ youth and it's something I'm very proud of, but it's also something I have to keep up with," Leach elaborated. "Something I have to work a little harder to get justice for." Leach experienced some relief when Newsom announced, through a partnership with The Trevor Project, that the California Health and Human Services Agency would provide counselors with increased training to assist LGBTQ+ youth. And that there will still be a hotline to contact via The Trevor Project at 1‑866‑488‑7386. But Leach still has concerns. "I'm very appreciative of it, but I also can't stop thinking about all the people in all the other states," Leach said. "It's very important. 40% of LGBTQI+ youth consider suicide. That was data from the last year. They are affected disproportionately when it comes to mental health crises as well as many other things." The Trevor Project's 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People states that not only did 39% of LGTBQ+ youth seriously consider suicide, but that when they sought mental health care, 50% of them were unable to get it in the past year. For the past three years, LGBTQ+ youth could contact 988 and press 3 to connect them to a counselor specifically trained to support their mental health needs, which are sometimes associated with discrimination and violence they often face. Some of the other mental health crises LGBTQ+ people face are discrimination-induced mental distress, mood disorders and substance abuse, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine. In San Francisco's Castro neighborhood, surrounded by a culture of support and rainbow flags, Sam Hayes couldn't help but be disappointed by the loss of another resource. "It's just a weird situation that you wake up every day and something else is taken away," said Hayes. "It's really sad." Hayes identifies as a gay man. He said he is fortunate to have a supportive community, but he knows some other people, especially outside of California, aren't so lucky and they may need the specialized services. "I think it's a valuable tool for someone who's struggling and to take that away is, I don't even know what to say," said Hayes. "It's horrible." Both Hayes and Leach said they are grateful to live in a state that's pushing back against these changes and educating 988 counselors statewide. Still, Leach wants to emphasize that there are other options for support and encourages people to seek them out. "There's so many resources and there's also such great community, especially living in the Bay Area," Leach detailed. "There's such great community here for LGBTQ community. Especially LGBTQIA+ youth and really taking advantage of that and find hope with other people is really important and really impactful." Even though the "Press 3" option is no longer available, anyone in crisis can still call or text the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline to be connected with a counselor. Veterans, a group also at higher risk of suicide compared to the general public, will still be able to access their own support by calling 988 and pressing 1.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
California steps in to support LGBTQ+ youth after federal lifeline cutback
(FOX 5/KUSI) — As the Trump administration eliminates a specialized LGBTQ+ support option on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, California is stepping up to ensure vulnerable youth are not left behind. Starting July 17, LGBTQ+ youth across the U.S. will no longer be able to press '3' on the 988 Lifeline to be routed to LGBTQ+-specific counselors—a service that has supported over 1.5 million calls since its launch in 2022. But state leaders in California say the Golden State won't let those young people go unheard. Governor Gavin Newsom, in partnership with the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) and national suicide prevention nonprofit The Trevor Project, announced on Wednesday a new effort to bolster 988 support services for LGBTQ+ callers. The initiative will include enhanced training for crisis counselors across California's 988 call centers to ensure competent and inclusive care. 'While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the gay community: we see you and we're here for you,' Newsom said in a statement. 'We're proud to work with the Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life.' Newsom responds after court blocks indiscriminate immigration stops in California State officials say the change reflects California's broader investment in youth mental health, including programs under the state's Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). These efforts have funded LGBTQ+-specific mental health programs, expanded community spaces, and launched anti-stigma campaigns aimed at youth. Kim Johnson, Secretary of CalHHS, emphasized the urgency of the work, stating, 'To every young person who identifies as LGBTQ+: You matter. You are not alone. California will continue to show up for you with care, with compassion, and with action.' First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom was more pointed in her criticism of the federal move. 'There could not be a more stark reminder of the moral bankruptcy of this administration than cutting off suicide prevention resources for LGBTQ youth,' she said. 'These are young people reaching out in their time of deepest crisis —and I'm proud of California's work to partner with the Trevor Project to creatively address this need.' Where to get help While the federal 'Press 3' LGBTQ+ support option will disappear from the national 988 hotline on July 17, California residents can still access trained LGBTQ+-affirming crisis counselors through state-supported 988 call centers or by contacting The Trevor Project directly Here are ways to get help: Call, text, or chat 988 at any time for 24/7 support. Text PRIDE or call 1‑866‑488‑7386 to reach The Trevor Project's crisis counselors. Visit for free non-crisis support and peer counseling. Why it matters LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, according to national data. Without access to affirming services, those risks are expected to increase. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MAGA move: Trump admin axes LGBTQ youth suicide hotline; critics warn ‘kids will die'
(Photo: AP) The Trump administration has stopped a special phone service that helped LGBTQ kids and young adults with mental health problems. This move has upset many people, including Democrats, doctors, and LGBTQ rights groups. This service was part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It let callers under 25 talk to trained counsellors who understand LGBTQ issues. NBC News reported that the government shut it down. The service started in October 2022. It was known as the 'Press 3' option. People could press 3 or text the word 'PRIDE' to speak to someone who could really understand them. Since it began, nearly 1.5 million people have used it. The government agency SAMHSA said last month it would no longer keep this special line just for LGBTQ kids. They said they want to help all callers in the same way. Jaymes Black, the head of The Trevor Project, which helped run the service, said stopping it was 'unfathomable.' He told NBC: 'This administration has made a dangerous decision to play politics with real young people's lives. Sadly, more children are going to die in America because of this cut.' People from both political parties were upset. Democrat Rep. Seth Moulton said on MSNBC: 'Kids are going to die. This is actually the kind of thing Republicans should care about if they really care about American kids.' He also said: 'As a veteran, I know how much it means to my fellow veterans to be able to push a button when they call 988 and get connected directly to a veterans crisis counsellor. Well, LGBTQ kids need that, too.' Republican Mike Lawler agreed. At a press event, he said, 'Cutting a programme that is working, that is meeting a real and growing need, just does not make sense.' SAMHSA explained that the LGBTQ youth service had no more funding from Congress. They said if they kept it, they would have to remove help from other parts of the 988 hotline. The veterans' option to press 1 is still available. California governor Gavin Newsom reacted quickly. He said California will now work with The Trevor Project to train 988 crisis workers to understand LGBTQ youth better. He said, 'While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the community: we see you and we're here for you.' If LGBTQ youth need help, they can still contact The Trevor Project.
