Smiles Should Never Come with Fear

Too many LGBTQIA+ individuals still walk into healthcare settings with a sense of apprehension, bracing for misgendering, biased assumptions, or outright hostility. Dentistry, unfortunately, is no exception. Whether it’s a provider who avoids using your pronouns, a medical history form that doesn’t reflect your reality, or the anxiety of not knowing if you’ll be treated with respect—these experiences leave lasting impressions. And more often than not, they keep people from getting the care they need.

Dental fear is real, but for queer and trans folks, it’s often layered with trauma and past dismissal. Delayed care, skipped appointments, and chronic oral health issues can all be linked back to discrimination in healthcare spaces. The consequences are more than physical—they’re emotional, social, and structural. When someone doesn’t feel safe, they can’t fully show up for their health. That’s a systemic failure—and it’s time for change.

At Big Gay Smiles, we believe a dental office should never be a place of fear. It should be a place of comfort, dignity, and trust. That’s why we’ve built our practice around inclusive values—starting with gender-affirming intake forms and continuing with trauma-informed training, cultural competency, and a deep respect for every identity that walks through our doors.

Our team is trained not just to treat teeth, but to see the full person in the chair. From the language we use to the layout of our space, we’re constantly asking: does this feel safe? Does this feel welcoming? Is this care being delivered with compassion, not assumption? These questions matter—and they shape everything we do.

This International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we’re not just recognizing the pain of systemic exclusion—we’re lifting up the beauty, resilience, and joy of our community. We’re celebrating every patient who shows up with bravery and every provider who chooses compassion over convention. Queer-affirming care isn’t a marketing angle—it’s a promise.

We’re here to say it loud and proud: your smile deserves safety, your identity deserves respect, and your healthcare should always, always include your humanity.

‍