The second Sunday of August is International Gay Uncles Day, or Guncles Day- yes, it’s a thing- but it’s not just a day for gay uncles; it also honours lesbian aunts, queer and trans extended and chosen family.
In 2016, C.J. Hatter promoted a day on Facebook to celebrate Gay Uncles.
“I hereby proclaim the second Sunday in August to be Gay Uncles’ Day!” he wrote, “Hey, we deserve a holiday of our own!”
And the internet has been having fun with it ever since, in beautiful and entertaining ways.
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‘Being an uncle is probably one of the greatest joys of my life’
First celebrated on Sunday, August 1st 2016, the day gained greater traction when promoted by Australian bobsledder and proud gay uncle, the late Simon Dunn.
Dunn told NBC News he “loves the idea of showing appreciation to gay uncles and aunts.”
“Having a day that your family acknowledge your value to them regardless of your sexuality but also at the same time shows your sexuality is accepted by them is truly a powerful thing.”
“Being an uncle is probably one of the greatest joys of my life.”
“My niece and nephews look at me as the greatest person in the world. I’m motivated every single day not to prove them wrong.”
But it’s not just about celebrating men
The day has never just been about men or uncles.
Celebrated online, it has been an opportunity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to share the joy of their families. Biological or otherwise.
Many of us have grown up feeling (or being told) that a family is not on the cards for us because of who we are or who we love. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Having a moment, even on the internet, to celebrate our families is a powerful thing. Especially when cyberspace is filled with people trying to create false narratives about us. Celebrating our families should always be filled with pride.
Image: SuppliedOur families are beautiful
I love my nieces and nephews; my life is so much fuller with them in it, and being able to be my authentic self around them is a beautiful thing. It is also not a thing to them; I’m just gay uncle Dean. Rainbow families are just a part of their world in a way that they never were before.
Hearing them mention a child at school who has two mums or having them join me at a Pride event means more to me than they will ever know.
The same can be said for the young kids who are part of my chosen family. When friends use the term ‘uncle’ in reference to me with their kids, it makes me feel so warm inside.
Because for years I was told I wouldn’t have a family because I ‘chose’ to be gay. That my life would be lonely and that people felt sorry for me.
But my life couldn’t be fuller, and being an uncle is just one part of that; the gay bit just makes me extra. Especially because, being a drag queen, I have all the best dress-ups!
Happy Gay Uncle Day to all who celebrate.
Images SuppliedFor the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
