By Isabella Torregiani
2:08pm PDT, Jul 22, 2025
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The Big Bang Theory star
Jim Parsons criticized President
Donald Trump's administration for its decision to shut down the LGBTQ+ crisis hotline, calling the move "criminal."
Keep reading for more on what he had to say… MORE:
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Appearing on MSNBC's
The Weekend, Jim Parsons expressed concern over the removal of queer-specific support from the 988 Lifeline. Callers used to be able to speak with counselors who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, but the option was recently removed. "I think it's quite literally criminal," he said. "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."
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Jim Parsons went on to say that the decision was seemingly made to target the LGBTQ+ community. "It is only hurtful, and it feels like it's only being done in order to make a point: We're getting rid of this because we want to make sure certain people understand they're not welcome here," he claimed.
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Senator
Tammy Baldwin, who was instrumental in launching the hotline option in 2022, echoed
Jim Parsons' frustration. "They have had relentless attacks on members of the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender individuals, transgender youth," Baldwin told
NPR. "In the face of those relentless political attacks on this very vulnerable community, to then cut off a lifeline is absolutely cruel."
