Love Don't Need a Reason: The Life & Music of Michael Callen

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On April 25, 1993, Michael Callen addressed a crowd of an estimated one million people gathered on the National Mall, marking a historic moment in queer political solidarity. He expressed his pride in being gay, stating, “Being gay is the greatest gift I have ever been given.” Following his heartfelt speech, he performed “Love Don't Need a Reason,” an AIDS anthem he co-wrote. As he finished, the audience responded with cheers and the American Sign Language symbol for “I Love You,” recognizing the song's deep personal significance, especially as Callen had recently announced his retirement from music and activism after living with AIDS for over a decade. After the March on Washington, Callen returned to Los Angeles, where his health deteriorated, leading to his death from AIDS-related complications on December 27, 1993. The focus of this work is Callen's enduring legacy: his music. As a key figure during the AIDS crisis and a chronicler of the final years of Gay Liberation, he transformed sexual health awareness by co-authoring one of the first safe-sex guides in 1983. Through his music, he educated and empowered the LGBTQIA+ community, reflecting evolving family dynamics, masculinity, and activism. Matthew J. Jones utilizes archival materials and oral histories to reintroduce Callen's pivotal contributions to LGBTQIA+ music and activism.