by Mark S. King | Jan 22, 2019 | Anita Mann and Acting Gigs, Family and Friends, Gay Life, Living with HIV/AIDS, My Fabulous Disease, News
The Armorettes never intended to become the longest continually running drag troupe in the country, or even to be known as the comedy drag show that has raised more than $2.5 million for Atlanta HIV charities. They were formed in 1979 as a group of cheerleaders for...
by Mark S. King | Jan 17, 2019 | Living with HIV/AIDS, My Fabulous Disease, News, Prevention and Policy
(For the first time, the words I am posting on My Fabulous Disease are not my own. This piece is from Craig Washington, whom I have known since our service at AID Atlanta 25 years ago. He continues to teach me about the lives and issues of Black gay men living...
by Mark S. King | Dec 9, 2018 | Anita Mann and Acting Gigs, Gay Life, Living with HIV/AIDS, My Fabulous Disease, News
The musty gym bag stays in my closet, ironically enough. Inside, a crumpled black wig fights for space with a sequined dress, heels, a string of fake pearls and a bag of make-up. After more than twenty years since performing with the Armorettes, this is all that...
by Mark S. King | Nov 25, 2018 | Family and Friends, Gay Life, Living with HIV/AIDS, My Fabulous Disease, News
My brother Richard smiles a lot. He has an easy laugh. But there was a time, years ago, when he held a poisonous drink in his hands and begged his dying lover not to swallow it. A time when Richard held the concoction they had prepared together and wept. Emil...
by Mark S. King | Nov 20, 2018 | Gay Life, Living with HIV/AIDS, My Fabulous Disease, News, Prevention and Policy
Remembering the moment in March of 1985 when I learned I was HIV positive is difficult. I speak and write about it often, but the actual emotions aren’t easy to access. I know it was horrific because my brain tells me it was, but putting myself back into the mind of...