"This is why we love Jim!": Fans react as 'The Big Bang Theory' star Jim Parsons slams ejection of the LGBTQ+ hotline option

Jim Parsons is speaking out following the recent removal of a specialized LGBTQ+ support line from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

During his appearance on MSNBC’s The Weekend, the Emmy-winning Big Bang Theory actor expressed concern over the decision, which has sparked backlash among LGBTQ+ advocates and mental health professionals alike.

The “press 3” option, which previously connected LGBTQ+ callers to counselors trained in identity-specific crisis support, was quietly removed as of July 18.

The change, introduced under the Trump administration, comes despite the line having rerouted 1.5 million contacts to LGBTQ+-specific help since its creation in 2022.

“I think it’s quite literally criminal. 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.”

Jim Parsons added:

“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.”

"Spot on": Fans sound off online as Jim Parsons blasts end of LGBTQ+ hotline

Social media lit up with various reactions as soon as Jim Parsons gave flak to the ejection of the LGBTQ emergency hotline.

“There literally was no reason for him to get rid of it,” @yesibeenabarb wrote.

“this is why we love jim!” @bloodlinebryy said.

“this is why voting matters! this is why people are scared! they want us gone and they’re not even hiding it anymore,” @chihiroloverr commented.

“they don’t even hide the hatred anymore. it’s not about cost or logic, it’s about exclusion,” @EveryPostHits chimed in.

“This must be false. Donald Trump can't be against LGBTQ; he belongs to that community but pretends to be straight,” @Inmyidgaferaa__ claimed.

“Jim Parsons calling out Trump’s 988 LGBTQ+ counselor cut is spot-on. It’s cruel, pointless, and screams exclusion,” @mYadav_01 added.

“he's right. there's genuinely no benefit of any kind to shutting down a suicide hotline,” @donofthetron posted.

However, some also disagreed with Jim Parsons, slamming his take on the matter.

“Why can’t LGBTQ deal real counselors like everyone else? Isn’t that what they want, to be looked at as just any other person?” @Lackmeftwich said.

“There’s a hotline that literally anyone can call. Gays don’t need their own hotline. If you feel like ending it all, you can call 988 and talk to someone,” @Sam1776Patriot wrote.

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“Surely psychological science applies to everyone equally, why do you need gay psychologists? Are they taught a secret kind of psychology that other graduates aren’t privy to?” @AussieGamr tweeted.

Jim Parsons, who married producer Todd Spiewak in 2017, has long used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. His comments come as mental health organizations and public figures continue to warn of the potential consequences of eliminating tailored crisis care.

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