Bridget McCarthy believes a lack of accessible queer-specific suicide prevention resources contributed to her son Riley Chart's suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his death, California Assembly Bill 727 was introduced, which mandates the inclusion of an LGBTQ+ crisis hotline number on student ID cards. This legislation aims to provide immediate access to necessary support for queer youth across California, especially in areas without resources. The Trevor Project, a key provider of this support, faces funding challenges due to recent federal cuts, prompting state lawmakers to seek alternative solutions.
"When the Trump administration threatened and then went through with their threat to cut the program completely, that told us that we had to step up to the plate."
"I truly believe that had there been an LGBTQ-specific [help] number right in front of him, he would've tried it."
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