Published: 8 August 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
SHAUN MILLER shares the joy of a too-little-recognised relationship.
I am an out-and-proud gay uncle, or “guncle”. I have three nieces and three nephews. They often refer to me as the “sparent” (spare parent) or a PUNK (Professional Uncle No Kids).
Gay Uncles’ Day, also known as Guncles’ Day, is celebrated on the second Sunday in August. Yes, it’s a thing. Sunday, August 13, is the next Gay Uncles’ Day.
The idea for the day came from C.J. Hatter of Florida, who made a Facebook post on May 8, 2016, that said: "I hereby proclaim the second Sunday in August to be Gay Uncles' Day! Hey, we deserve a holiday of our own!"
The holiday gained traction when rugby player and Australian bobsleigh team member Simon Dunn made an Instagram post with his nephews where he asked if people wanted to celebrate the holiday. "My goal in promoting this day of celebration is to normalise the role of the gay uncle, cousin, brother … whatever, in the family and in society. The more visible we are and the more forthright we and our loved ones are of our very existence, the less uncomfortable society will be with us."
As a “guncle”, I share a unique bond with my nieces and nephews. The bond allows them to experience a special sense of mentorship, compassion and cultural awareness. And, most importantly, a confidante who is one step removed from their parents.
From my brothers’ and sisters-in-laws’ perspective, my gay uncle duties enable them to leverage a "helper in the nest". I’m not distracted by having my own children. My time can be freed up to help theirs. Certain biological and anthropological studies have theorised that the “gay gene” emerged for that very reason: to be an extra pair of hands to help their tribe survive and thrive. There is a Darwinian perspective to this.
