In a startling turn of events, a leaked recording has surfaced that reveals a conversation between a crisis counselor from The Trevor Project and an individual posing as a transgender teen. This recording has sparked significant controversy and raised serious questions about the guidance being offered to vulnerable youth.
The recording features a "mom activist," Beth Bourne, who impersonated a 15-year-old girl identifying as a transgender boy. During the session, she expressed feelings of being unsafe at home due to her mother’s alleged misgendering. In a shocking exchange, Bourne inquired whether it would be wise to move in with her softball coach, who purportedly promised to assist her in obtaining cross-sex hormones and a double mastectomy.
The counselor’s response was alarming. Rather than challenging the plan, they validated it, suggesting that moving in with the coach could be a viable option for the girl. The counselor stated, “It sounds like her feelings about this have gotten worse over time… Maybe you need to see some change.” This response raises serious ethical concerns about the role of counselors in guiding minors through such significant life decisions.
Bourne later shared the recording on social media, labeling the counselor’s advice as “insanity” and accusing The Trevor Project of being a “transgender child-trafficking organization disguised as a ‘suicide support for [LGBT] youth’ organization.” Her post has gained over 768,000 views, igniting a heated debate about the responsibilities of organizations that provide support to LGBTQ+ youth.
This incident comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s decision to terminate a $26 million contract with The Trevor Project, which included specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth under the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that it would eliminate the “Press 3” option, which directed callers to LGBTQ+-specific counseling. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from advocates and organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, who argue that the loss of funding could jeopardize the well-being of at-risk individuals.
In response to the funding cuts, Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black expressed deep concern, describing the decision as “devastating.” He emphasized that the program was established with bipartisan support, underscoring the collective agreement that every young person’s life is valuable and worth saving. Black’s statement highlighted the importance of accessible mental health resources for all youth, regardless of their gender identity.
The Trevor Project has faced scrutiny from conservative groups over its educational materials, which some claim promote a particular ideology in public schools. For instance, a controversial role-playing exercise called "Coming Out Stars" was reportedly implemented in the Vista Unified School District in San Diego, requiring students to imagine themselves as LGBTQ+ individuals and navigate the coming out process.
As this story unfolds, it raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of counselors, the impact of funding cuts on mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth, and the broader implications for parental rights and youth autonomy. The leaked recording serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding gender identity issues and the urgent need for compassionate, responsible guidance for young people facing these challenges.
For more information on mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at nami.org. Additionally, to understand more about the Trevor Project’s mission and services, check out their official website at thetrevorproject.org.
As discussions around these sensitive topics continue, it is essential for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to engage thoughtfully and respectfully, ensuring that the best interests of young people remain at the forefront of all conversations.