LGBTQ+ youth crisis calls skyrocket after anti-trans legislation proposed

Rainbow Youth Project, a leading nonprofit for LGBTQ+ youth, has reported a significant spike in crisis outreach from LGBTQ+ youth and their families in response to the recent vote in the House of Representatives on the “Protect Children’s Innocence Act.”

Despite the bill still awaiting approval from the U.S. Senate and the President, the initial vote has spurred a wave of fear and anxiety across the LGBTQ+ youth community nationwide. Rainbow Youth Project’s crisis hotline, which typically manages an average of 347 calls per day, has seen a staggering 310% increase in call volume since the House vote.

Since the House passed the legislation on December 17, 2025, the hotline has fielded an average of 1,422 calls daily, indicating the profound impact this legislation is having on vulnerable youth.

Rainbow Youth Project’s crisis team leader, Kristen Johnston, expressed concern over the emotional toll the bill is taking on LGBTQ+ youth. “The recent events have created a sense of isolation and despair within the community. Our main priority is ensuring that these youth have a safe space to reach out for support and guidance during this challenging time.”

The “Protect Children’s Innocence Act” proposes severe penalties for medical professionals providing gender-affirming care to minors, including imprisonment for up to ten years. The potential implications of this bill have struck a chord of alarm within the LGBTQ+ youth community. 

The increase in crisis outreach from LGBTQ+ young people is further exacerbated by the recent actions of the Texas Attorney General, who launched an online “tip line” to gather citizen complaints about transgender individuals using bathrooms or facilities not aligned with their sex assigned at birth. 

These actions are part of broader efforts by the AG’s office to enforce stricter state policies targeting transgender rights, including a recent legal opinion invalidating court orders for gender marker changes on IDs. This also follows earlier efforts where Paxton’s office sought data on transgender Texans from the Department of Public Safety. However, DPS stated that specific data on gender marker changes wasn’t readily available or couldn’t be accurately produced. 

Teegan Mauter, a community advocate with Rainbow Youth Project’s Transcend Advocacy Group - a specialized committee of transgender individuals advocating for the rights of transgender people -  emphasized the urgency of addressing the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.

“We are witnessing a surge in calls during what is already a stressful holiday season for many young people,” said Mauter. “The combination of the proposed legislation and the hostile environment created by the Texas Attorney General’s recent actions is amplifying the sense of vulnerability among LGBTQ+ individuals.”

Rainbow Youth Project remains committed to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and advocating for their rights, particularly during this critical time. The organization urges lawmakers to consider the harmful effects of such legislation and prioritize the well-being of vulnerable youth in the LGBTQ+ community.

To make an end-of-year donation to Rainbow Youth Project, visit www.secure.actblue.com/donate/rainbowyouthproject.

The Gayly online. 12/22/25 @ 1:24 p.m. CST.