And the pop legend and gay icon George Michael has died at the age of 53. Michael was found dead of heart failure at his home on Christmas Day. The British singer-songwriter became famous as part of the ’80s pop duo Wham! When Michael came out as a gay man in 1998, his lyrics celebrating all forms of sexuality had already helped change public attitudes toward homosexuality. George Michael lent his celebrity to the fight against HIV, helping to raise millions of dollars for AIDS research. He was also a vocal critic of the Iraq War. His 2002 song and satirical video “Shoot the Dog” took aim at George W. Bush and his British ally in support of the Iraq invasion, Tony Blair.