Darrell Rist was born in Ironton, Ohio. A writer and co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), in 1985, Darrell championed the cause of gay rights in his writings. His most recent book was "Heartlands: A Gay Man's Odyssey Across America" (Dutton, 1992). He also wrote numerous magazine and newspaper articles that appeared in publications including The Nation and Harper's.

Darrell died on Thursday in St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center. He was 45 and lived in Manhattan. His companion, Robert M. Cataldo, said he died from an AIDS-related illness.