[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MOURNING LOSS OF AIDS ACTIVIST STEVE MICHAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 1998

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, we in the District and many others 
around the country will mourn the passing of valiant AIDS activist 
Steve Michael, who died May 25th at the age of 42. As the founder of 
ACT UP-Washington and a ceaseless campaigner on behalf of men and women 
suffering from HIV and AIDS, Steve made an indelible mark on our 
nation's fight against this disease. We in the District are fortunate 
that Steve took as his own our fight for full democracy as well.
  Steve arrived in Washington from Seattle in 1993, pressuring the 
Clinton administration on AIDS funding and on the rights of 
homosexuals. Steve's political career, however, was not limited to 
activism; he proved to be a staunch advocate of Home Rule, a frequent 
participant in the local and national political process, and finally a 
candidate for the District of Columbia City Council. His service on the 
DC HIV Planning Council as chair of the Fiscal Oversight Committee will 
not be forgotten by the citizens of Washington.
  Steve's untimely death highlights the need for continuing research 
and funding as we work to find a cure for the scourge of AIDS. As the 
Washington Times noted, Steve pushed into the AIDS debate with 
``incredible energy,'' and his confrontational style broadened the 
health dialogue beyond the traditional corridors of power.
  Steve Michael came to Washington as an angry young man. Until the 
end, he was angry enough to fight hard for the lives of others and then 
for his own life. In his activism over the years, Steve mellowed enough 
to develop a relationship with some public officials that became 
friendship. I count myself among those friends. I will think first and 
foremost of Steve this coming Sunday when I march in the annual Capital 
Pride parade for freedom from all forms of discrimination, including 
the homophobia that is still reflected in our laws. I will honor 
Steve's friendship, not with memories alone but with a continuing 
resolve to continue the fight against AIDS and HIV, against homophobia 
and for life.

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