Honoring the Day of Silence: Standing with LGBTQ+ Youth in Solidarity

On April 22, LGBTQ+ students and allies across the country will take part in the Day of Silence, a powerful, student-led movement organized by GLSEN to protest the bullying, harassment, and silencing that queer youth often face in schools.

At Big Gay Smiles, we’re more than a dental care space—we’re a place of affirmation, advocacy, and community. That’s why we’re proud to stand in solidarity with everyone participating in this quiet but bold act of resistance.

What Is the Day of Silence?

Started in the mid-1990s by a group of college students, the Day of Silence has grown into a national day of action and reflection. Participants take a vow of silence throughout the day to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBTQ+ voices due to bullying, discrimination, and systemic inequality in schools.

This silence speaks volumes. It calls attention to the very real struggles many queer and trans students face—ranging from verbal harassment to physical violence, from being excluded by peers to feeling unsafe in their own classrooms

Why It Matters

• More than 80% of LGBTQ+ students report being verbally harassed at school.
• Over 70% avoid certain spaces on campus because they feel unsafe.
• LGBTQ+ students who experience high levels of victimization are more likely to miss school and face mental health challenges.

These statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re lived realities. And unless we continue to amplify awareness and push for inclusive policies and support systems, this silence will remain far too real.

How We Can Support

• Even if you’re not a student, you can still take action:
• Acknowledge the Day – Share it on social media, talk to friends and coworkers, and help amplify the message.
• Listen – Honor the silence by giving space to the voices that are so often ignored.
• Create Safe Spaces – Whether in your office, your home, or your healthcare practice, make it clear that LGBTQ+ people are seen and safe with you.
• Educate Yourself and Others – Learn about the issues LGBTQ+ students face and advocate for inclusive policies in your schools and communities.

Our Pledge at Big Gay Smiles

Here at Big Gay Smiles, we commit to being a place where no one is silenced, dismissed, or treated with anything less than dignity and care. We honor our LGBTQ+ patients, staff, and community every day—but especially on April 22, we reflect on the importance of listening more deeply, loving more loudly, and standing up more boldly.

To the students participating in the Day of Silence: we see you, we support you, and we’re proud of you.

‍