May-August 2026 - The Pride Issue: Featured Stories - You Are Not Alone: How 988 Is Supporting LGBTQ+ New Mexicans in Moments That Matter

In moments of crisis, uncertainty, or overwhelming emotion, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. For LGBTQIA+ individuals in New Mexico—many of whom navigate unique challenges tied to identity, safety, and belonging—the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has become a critical resource. More than just a number, it represents immediate connection, compassion, and the reassurance that no one has to face difficult moments alone.

“When someone reaches out to 988, they’re connected with a trained counselor whose only job in that moment is to listen and support them,” says Nick Boukas, Director of the Behavioral Health Services Division for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “There’s no judgment, no pressure — just someone who wants to help. It’s about creating a space where people feel heard, respected, and safe enough to share what they’re going through, even if it’s something they’ve never said out loud before.”

That simple act—being heard—can be life-changing. Since launching in 2022, 988 has connected with more than 243,000 individuals across New Mexico. Each call, text, or chat represents a person reaching out in a moment of need, choosing connection over isolation.
“That number represents people who reached out in a hard moment and didn’t have to face it alone,” Boukas explains. “And that’s really the heart of this service. We want people to know that help is always available, no matter how big or small the issue may feel.”

Accessibility is a cornerstone of the 988 Lifeline. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it ensures that support is always within reach. Importantly, the service is also designed to be confidential and low-barrier. “Callers don’t have to share personal details unless they want to,” Boukas says. “The focus is on meeting people where they are emotionally and helping them get through that moment. In over 90% of cases, people receive the support they need without requiring emergency intervention.”

For LGBTQIA+ individuals, access to affirming care is especially important. Experiences of discrimination, rejection, or misunderstanding—particularly within traditional healthcare settings—can create barriers to seeking help. New Mexico has made it a priority to ensure that 988 remains inclusive and responsive to these needs. “Even though the national ‘Press 3’ option went away, our commitment to LGBTQIA+ communities hasn’t changed at all,” Boukas emphasizes. “We’ve made sure that our counselors are trained to understand the specific challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals may face, including identity-related stress, family rejection, and experiences of discrimination.”

That training goes beyond basic awareness. It includes culturally competent care, gender-affirming communication, and an understanding of how intersectionality shapes mental health experiences. “Our counselors receive specialized training on the issues that really affect the mental health of LGBTQIA+ communities,” Boukas explains. “That means using correct pronouns, understanding the impact of stigma, and recognizing how someone’s identity intersects with their mental health. It’s about making sure every person feels respected for who they are.”

The reasons people reach out to 988 are as varied as the individuals themselves. While some callers may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, many others are dealing with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or overwhelming life stress. “LGBTQIA+ callers reach out for a wide range of reasons—anxiety, depression, isolation, relationship stress, or questions and challenges around identity,” Boukas says. “Sometimes it’s about not feeling safe or supported in their environment. Other times, it’s just needing someone to talk to who understands.”

For young people, especially, that support can be critical. Many LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of mental health challenges due to bullying, lack of family support, or social isolation. Having access to a resource like 988 can provide a lifeline during vulnerable moments. Recognizing these needs, New Mexico continues to expand and strengthen its behavioral health infrastructure. One of the ways the state is doing this is through enhanced training programs and partnerships with local organizations that serve LGBTQ+ communities.

“We’re constantly working to improve how we serve people,” Boukas says. “That includes strengthening partnerships with community organizations, expanding outreach, and making sure people know that 988 is available to them.”

Another innovation on the horizon is the Navi app, a tool designed specifically for New Mexico youth. “The Navi app is being developed to give young people access to support and resources even in areas where internet connectivity might be limited,” Boukas explains. “We know that not everyone has the same access to technology, so we’re working to meet people where they are, both digitally and geographically.”

That idea—meeting people where they are—is central to the philosophy behind 988. It extends beyond technology and into cultural awareness and community presence.

“Culturally, that means making sure our counselors understand the wide range of identities, traditions, and lived experiences across New Mexico,” Boukas says. “We’re a very diverse state, and that diversity needs to be reflected in how we provide care.”

This commitment is reflected in outreach efforts at Pride events, partnerships with tribal communities, and collaborations with local organizations. By showing up in spaces where people already feel connected, 988 helps build trust and awareness.

At its core, the message behind 988 is simple—but powerful.

“Everyone deserves support, safety, and someone who will listen with care and compassion,” Boukas says. “Reaching out to 988 doesn’t require being in a life-threatening crisis — it’s also for moments when you just feel overwhelmed, alone, or unsure where to turn.”

That distinction is important. Too often, people believe they must be in extreme distress to seek help. 988 challenges that notion, encouraging individuals to reach out at any point along the spectrum of need.

“Your identity is respected, your feelings matter, and you don’t need to navigate hard moments alone,” Boukas adds. “Every life matters, and someone is always available to talk.”
In a world where many still struggle to find acceptance, understanding, and support, services like 988 play a vital role. They remind us that help is not only available—it is accessible, affirming, and ready when we need it most.

For LGBTQ+ New Mexicans and allies alike, that message carries weight. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection is possible—and that reaching out can be the first step toward healing.