
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 29, 1993                   TAG: 9312290181
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES                                LENGTH: Short

AIDS ACTIVIST CALLEN DIES AT 38

Michael Callen, the composer, singer and writer whose decade-long, epic struggle with AIDS was documented in dozens of publications and on most of the country's national talk shows, died of the disease Monday in Los Angeles, nearly 12 years after he was diagnosed.

Callen, 38, co-author of "Love Don't Need a Reason," which has become a signature song for the gay community in its struggle against acquired immune deficiency syndrome, was considered a national treasure in the gay and lesbian community for his pronouncement a decade ago that "I'm going to wrestle this beast [AIDS] to the ground."

He was credited with coining the term "people with AIDS" in an effort to prevent them from being branded as "AIDS victims." In his books, lectures and public appearances he emphasized that those with AIDS could continue to live happily while making significant contributions.

Callen was a frequent guest on various news and talk shows, among them "Nightline," "Good Morning America," "20/20," "The Phil Donahue Show" and "Geraldo." He also was seen in films and documentaries, the most recent being "Philadelphia" and the HBO special "Why Am I Gay."

by CNB