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Richard Summerbell Quotes

Richard C. Summerbell is a Canadian mycologist, author and award-winning songwriter. He was editor in chief of an international scientific journal in mycology from 2000 to 2004. In the 1970s and 80s, he was a gay activist and an early commentator on controversial topics such as AIDS and promiscuity and attitudes to homosexuality in organized religion.

Born in Brooks, Alberta, Summerbell trained as a botanist, receiving his master's degree from the University of British Columbia and his doctorate degree from the University of Toronto. He has lived with his partner, Ross Fraser, since 1978 and currently resides in Toronto, Canada. Wikipedia  

✵ 29. June 1956
Richard Summerbell photo
Richard Summerbell: 11 quotes0 likes

Famous Richard Summerbell Quotes

“The faith that education would destroy intolerance is false. It may be partly true, but people find that intolerance is fun.”

Richard Summerbell

The Ubyssey (student newspaper of the University of British Columbia), February 9, 1979

“Deviant (definition): A person who wanders from the One True Path and is caught urinating somewhere in the midst of the unthinkable. A person taking any exit ramp off the freeway of self-righteousness.”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

“All that is required of us, in our "new sexual ethic," is that we have sex in a way that favours us more than it favours our diseases.”

Richard Summerbell

Body Politic, June 1983, reported in Ann Silversides, AIDS activist: Michael Lynch and the Politics of Community (2003), p. 32.

“Immoral (definition): Obsolete expression meaning "politically incorrect."”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

“Right wing (definition): As with the left wing, half the propulsive force of a flightless bird.”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

“Relationship (definition): Liaison usually involving two people and their dirty dishes.”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

Richard Summerbell Quotes

“Closet (definition): Basement suite of a heterosexual outhouse.”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

“Erotica: the depiction of naked men. Depictions of naked women are far less innocent and are known as "pornography."”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

“You are a mystery in an enigma in a big ball of fur,
An irresistible magnet to every child and flea and burr.
Your nose is high-resolution while I live in a near-scentless fog
You run at high speed, while I just have to slog (but it's a good ol' slog)
So I just want to thank you for being my dog….”

Richard Summerbell

(Thank You For Being) My Dog, 2004.

“Unnatural act (definition): Any everyday act not equally typical of cattle, sheep, and horses. Singing, smoking, and various heterosexual and homosexual acts are included.”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

“Butch (definition): Macho with a purse.”

Richard Summerbell

Abnormally Happy: A Gay Dictionary (1985)

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