As island leaders and the local LGBTQ+ community gathered at the government house for a proclamation signing for June as Pride Month on Friday.

The United States’ first openly gay Lt. Governor, Josh Tenorio, addressed federal cuts to a specialized suicide prevention line that will impact the LGBTQ+ community. 

On Tuesday, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced that starting July 17, the 988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline will no longer silo LGBTQ+ youth services, also known as the "Press 3 option."

“One of the troubling things that I’ve seen in the last couple of days is there’s been a decision in the 988 nationally to cut off the pipeline for the people that are looking to talk to somebody from the LGBTQ+ community that are looking for support,” said Tenorio. 

“Now more than ever, it’s so much more critical for those of us that are living out, that are in the LGBTQ+ community to make ourselves known. Because the whole point of ‘coming out’ is making sure people in our neighborhoods, our work places, our families and people in the places that we go to know that we’re just trying to live our lives just like them, trying to meet our own potential, trying to make sure that we provide safety, and that we can show each other than through love and respect, we can live in a good, good place,” he added. 

The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration adds they continue to stand firm in its efforts to ensure that every person on Guam, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can live openly, authentically, and with dignity.