John Alan Lee
John Alan Lee (24 August 1933 – 5 December 2013) was a Canadian sociologist, writer, and activist, renowned for his pioneering work on the psychology of love and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.(wikipedia)
🎓 Academic Career and Contributions
Lee completed his undergraduate studies in sociology at the University of Toronto in 1956 and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Sussex in 1971. He joined the University of Toronto as a faculty member in 1971, where he taught until his retirement in 1999. Throughout his academic career, Lee authored over 300 books and articles, focusing predominantly on the sociological study of the LGBTQ+ community and the psychology of love and sexuality. (wikipedia)
🎨 The Colour Wheel Theory of Love
In his seminal work, Colours of Love: An Exploration of the Ways of Loving (1973), Lee introduced the Colour Wheel Theory of Love, categorizing love into six distinct styles:(wikipedia)
- Eros: Romantic, passionate love characterized by physical attraction.
- Ludus: Playful, game-playing love without commitment.
- Storge: Affectionate love that develops from friendship.
- Mania: Obsessive love combining Eros and Ludus.
- Pragma: Practical love combining Ludus and Storge.
- Agape: Selfless, altruistic love combining Eros and Storge.(www.slideshare.net, IvyPanda, wikipedia, Goodreads)
This theory provided a framework for understanding the complexities of human relationships and has been influential in both academic and therapeutic settings. (wikipedia)
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Activism
Lee was a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ activism in Canada. In 1974, he publicly came out on TVOntario's The Judy LaMarsh Show, becoming one of the first Canadian academics to do so. He co-founded the University of Toronto's Gay Academic Union in 1975 and was instrumental in organizing protests advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, including a notable sit-in at the Ontario Attorney General's office in 1979. (Xtra Magazine, wikipedia)
📚 Selected Works
- Colours of Love: An Exploration of the Ways of Loving (1973)
- Getting Sex: A New Approach (1978)
- Gay Midlife and Maturity: Crises, Opportunities, and Fulfillment (1991)
- Love's Gay Fool (Autobiography)
🕊️ Legacy
John Alan Lee's contributions to the understanding of love and his unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have left an indelible mark on both academic circles and society at large. His work continues to inspire and inform discussions on love, sexuality, and human rights.
