American songwriter and activist Michael Callen was BOTD in 1955. Born in Rising Sun, Indiana, he escaped to New York City to work in musical theatre. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1982, he became a pioneer in HIV-AIDS activism, co-writing the book How to Have Sex in an Epidemic to encourage safe sex practises in the gay community. He also helped develop Denver Principles, a set of guidelines for healthcare professionals working with HIV/AIDS patients. He co-founded the People with AIDS Coalition and the Community Research Initiative to boost support and awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS, and appeared on television talk shows to raise awareness about the epidemic. A musician and songwriter, he was a member of gay a cappella group The Flirtations, and penned the gay anthem Love Don’t Need a Reason. He performed in a musical number in Hollywood AIDS drama Philadelphia, and played “Miss HIV” in indie musical Zero Patience. He died in 1993, aged 38. His life and work was commemorated in Martin Duberman’s 2014 book Hold Tight Gently: Michael Callen, Essex Hemphill, and the Battlefield of AIDS. In 2019, he became an inaugural honouree at the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City.