From a stage erected in front of the US Capitol, on April 25, 1993, Michael Callen surveyed the throng: an estimated one million people stretched across the National Mall in the largest public demonstration of queer political solidarity in history. “What a sight,” he told the crowd, his earnest Midwestern twang reverberating through loudspeakers. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. Being gay is the greatest gift I have ever been given, and I don’t care who knows about it.” He then launched into a gorgeous rendition of “Love Don’t Need a Reason,” the AIDS anthem he composed with Marsha Malamet and the late Peter Allen. As Callen finished singing, people stood cheering and flashing the familiar American Sign Language symbol for “I Love You.” For they knew the song’s sentiment rang true for Callen, who had recently announced his retirement from music and activism after a living for more than a decade with what was then called “full-blown AIDS.” After the March on Washington, Callen returned to his recently adopted West Coast home, Los Angeles. In the ensuing months, his health rapidly declined, and on 27 December 1993, Callen died of AIDS-related pulmonary Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Love Don’t Need a Reason focuses on Callen’s most important and lasting legacy: his music. A witness to the overlooked last years of Gay Liberation and a major figure in the early years of the AIDS crisis, Michael Callen chronicled these experiences in song. A community organizer, activist, author, and architect of the AIDS self-empowerment movement, he literally changed the way we have sex in an epidemic when he co-authored one of the first safe-sex guides in 1983. A gifted singer, songwriter, and performer, he also made gay music for gay people and used music to educate and empower people with AIDS. Listening again to his music allows us to hear the shifting dynamics of American families, changing notions of masculinity, gay migration to urban areas, the sexual politics of Gay Liberation, and HIV/AIDS activism. Using extensive archival materials and newly-conducted oral history interviews with Callen’s friends, family, and fellow musicians, Matthew J. Jones reintroduces Callen to the history of LGBTQIA+ music and places Callen’s music at the center of his important activist work.
I am so excited about this fantastic new book about Michael Callen’s life and music! I read it in manuscript and it is amazing! Bravo Matthew J. Jones!
Looking forward to this.. I was so fortunate to get to see Michael perform in Washington DC in 1992.. he sang love dont need a reason at the quilt display..
How do you order
When the book is published, it can be downloaded for free from here, and also ordered in print. Preorders are not possible, so stay tuned!
I recall seeing footage of Michael’s 1993 Washington DC performance here on the news in Australia at the time. His music swept the world, and so did his activism. Thank you for helping to keep his love alive.
Congratulations! I have been playing Michael’s music on the radio and online for 30 years – can’t wait to read your book
I can’t wait for this book. I grew up with Michael. He’s always in my heart. I’ll never forget his loving nature and compassion. I still remember conversations we had in the 70’s/80’s.
I am so honored and humbled to get to tell Michael’s story! Keep your eyes on the website. It should be available VERY soon! -MJ
Today in fact!
It has been a long wait for someone to tell Michael Callen’s incredible story of sexual abandon in the 70s and Callen’s indispensable role in the invention of safe sex in the 1980s. Matthew Jones’ “Love Don’t Need A Reason” has been worth the wait. At last, Michael Callen has been honored by a book that depicts his extraordinary art & activism that not only changed the world, but lives on in millions of lives he helped – at great personal cost – to save.