Celebrating Inclusivity: Big Gay Smiles Hosts Adm. Levine and Admin. Guzman
We are thrilled to share an exciting update that marks a significant milestone for Big Gay Smiles and the LGBTQ+ community. In June, we had the immense honor of welcoming two distinguished visitors from the White House: Admiral Rachel Levine, the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Isabel Guzman, the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Their visit highlighted the dedication and commitment of LGBTQ-owned businesses during Pride Month, an event that underscores our mission and values at Big Gay Smiles.
Adm. Levine and Admin. Guzman's Visit
On June 14, 2024, Big Gay Smiles co-founders Dr. Robert McKernan and Tyler Dougherty hosted Admiral Rachel Levine and Administrator Isabel Guzman at our practice in Washington, D.C. The visit was covered extensively by the Washington Blade, emphasizing the importance of supporting small businesses and promoting health equity within the LGBTQ community.
Adm. Levine highlighted the crucial role that representation plays in healthcare, stating, “Representation matters, especially in dental care and medical care, where there is a tremendous need to push for improvements in health equity.” Our practice is committed to providing inclusive and respectful dental care, and it was inspiring to see this recognized by such influential leaders.
Admin. Guzman echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that small businesses like Big Gay Smiles are vital in identifying and meeting the needs of their communities. “With Big Gay Smiles, Dr. Robert McKernan and Tyler Dougherty have clearly identified a need for dentistry that is inclusive and respectful of the LGBTQIA community,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see their growth and trajectory, and to know that providers like them are offering such essential support.”
Commitment to the Community
At Big Gay Smiles, our commitment extends beyond providing exceptional dental care. We are dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic and ensuring our patients receive comprehensive oral health services, including cancer screenings. We proudly donate 10 percent of our revenue to national and local HIV/AIDS nonprofits, reinforcing our commitment to health equity and community support.
During the visit, our team had the opportunity to discuss the persistent issues of discrimination against patients living with HIV/AIDS and the importance of creating an affirming environment for all patients. Adm. Levine shared her experiences and insights on these challenges, reinforcing the importance of our mission.
Tour of Price Medical
Following their visit to Big Gay Smiles, Adm. Levine and Admin. Guzman toured Price Medical, another LGBTQ-owned business that focuses on internal medicine, HIV specialty care, and more. Dr. Timothy Price, founder of Price Medical, showcased the impactful work his practice does in advancing health equity and providing telemedicine services.
Looking Ahead
The visit from Adm. Levine and Admin. Guzman was not just a recognition of our efforts but also a call to action for continued support and innovation within the healthcare space. As Admin. Guzman noted, “Small businesses are innovators creating the future of health tech,” and we are excited about the opportunities for collaboration between the SBA and HHS to further our mission.
We are deeply grateful for the recognition and support from these esteemed leaders and remain committed to our mission of providing inclusive, high-quality dental care to the LGBTQ community. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and serve our community with pride.
Join Us in Celebrating
We invite you to join us in celebrating this landmark event and our ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ community. Follow us on social media, share our story, and help us spread the word about the importance of inclusive healthcare.
For more details and to read the full press releases, please visit the following links:
- Adm. Levine, Admin. Guzman visit LGBTQ-owned dental and medical practices
- Rachel Levine and Isabel Guzman highlight LGBTQ-owned businesses during Pride Month
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has access to the care and respect they deserve.