LGBTQ+ Health Services Slashed as Federal Cuts Hit Hard, Even in California

As Pride Month continues, the LGBTQ+ community is reeling from over $800 million in federal cuts to vital health and mental health services under the Trump administration. The reductions include slashed funding for HIV research, the National Institutes of Health, and support for LGBTQ+ callers on the 988 suicide prevention lifeline.

While states like California are often viewed as safe havens, local advocates say the ripple effects of these rollbacks are already hitting home.

Casey Weitzman, a mental health expert and founder of Gender Wellness Los Angeles, says the cuts are especially damaging to gender-affirming care and mental health access for youth. “They’re trying to stop services for young people,” she explains. “It’s tragic—these services are so necessary.”

Even institutions in California are vulnerable. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, one of the few hospitals offering comprehensive gender-affirming care for youth, is reportedly facing pressure to reduce or eliminate its services, which would affect thousands of families.

Weitzman warns that people who rely on these services will face a scramble to find alternatives. “It’s going to be very difficult. People are worried they’ll no longer be covered by insurance or even safe to seek care,” she says. “There’s still a lot of fear about discrimination.”

While virtual services like Queer Doc offer some relief, the cuts may isolate vulnerable individuals even more. And the potential removal of LGBTQ+ access to the 988 crisis hotline is especially alarming to Weitzman. “Those lines are lifesaving,” she says.

Despite the setbacks, Weitzman encourages people to stay connected, seek out trusted providers, and continue fighting for equitable care. “There are still people who care and want to help. That hasn’t changed.”

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