Mark S. King

Mar S. King is an award winning columnist, author, blogger and AIDS advocate who has been involved in gay causes since the early 1980′s. A graduate of the University of Houston, King founded "Telerotic," which became one of the largest gay telephone fantasy services in the country. King sold the company in 1986 as AIDS was beginning its devastation of the gay community. It is this period of time that King brings back to life in his memoir, A Place Like This.

In 2007-2008, King was featured in the award-winning documentary "Meth." as a crystal methamphetamine addict in recovery. In 2011, he was honored to be included among the “POZ 100,” the 100 people and ideas that POZ Magazine finds most inspiring. Today, King lives in Atlanta. He continues his writing and blogs, and awakens with gratitude (almost) every morning.

All articles by Mark S. King

The private war that killed Spencer Cox

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Gay activists like Spencer Cox were consumed by AIDS for so many gruesome years that many of them were shocked, once the war abated, to see how little around them had changed. Climbing from the trenches, they saw a gay culture that must have seemed ludicrous, packed with the same drug addictions, sexual compulsions and soulless shenanigans that AIDS, in its singular act of goodwill, had arrested for a decade or so. [ Read more → ]

I am the man my father built

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Ultimately, Dad raised exactly what he valued, a man who steps up and asks stupid questions and knows that to soar you must risk the occasional, spectacular crash. On my best days I live happily as the man my father built, writing and living as an HIV positive queer for all to see and never afraid to take a risk... [ Read more → ]

Facebook Put My Life Together Again

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Today I accepted the Facebook friend request of someone I knew in high school. We haven’t spoken in more than thirty years ... and God knows why she wants to befriend the scandalous queer who wore knee-high platform boots to the junior dance in our home town of Bossier City, Louisiana. [ Read more → ]

Seven Ways to Save Money on Meds

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

With all the doctor appointments and wellness activities we engage in, living with HIV/AIDS can be a full-time job. And the truth is, it doesn’t pay very well. We’ve all been feeling the pinch of tough economic times. So I hope you’ll find some savings... [ Read more → ]

I’m gonna wipe that AIDS right off of my face

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Several years ago, I told someone that I was HIV positive before I agreed to his invitation for a date. “Yeah, I know,” he casually replied, and then he looked a little embarrassed, as if he shouldn’t have said it. It was too late, of course; I knew exactly what he meant. He knew my HIV status because of the appearance of my face. [ Read more → ]

My surprising lack of Gay Pride

Sunday, June 12, 2011

During this gay pride month of June, I hope we’ll all take some time to assess what we’re so damn proud of. I’ve made that list, and “being gay” isn’t anywhere on it. Do I take my sexuality for granted, or am I ungrateful? [ Read more → ]

Calling all HIV Negative gay men: ‘This is your time’

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

This is directed to HIV negative gay men. Listen carefully. This is your time. I’ve lived with HIV more than half my life, and people often praise me far more than I deserve, simply for surviving. They use words like brave and courageous. You know... [ Read more → ]

Walmart gets better: Retailer responds to censorship of the ‘g’ word

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

I’m pleased to report that “gay” is now a perfectly acceptable word to include in posted comments on Walmart’s site. Other words have also been cleared, including lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgendered. [ Read more → ]

Walmart, the G word, and internet activism

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Walmart is selling the new "It Gets Better" book. Just don’t call it gay. [ Read more → ]

The Book with a Promise: ‘It Gets Better’

Sunday, March 20, 2011

There were moments while reading "It Gets Better," the new book inspired by the video project to help bullied youth, when my heart leapt to my throat and hovered there. There’s no denying the power of this project, and what could easily be the most important book of the year. [ Read more → ]