Georgia: "Meth" Documentary Will Screen During Gay Film Festival

In the documentary "Meth," which will screen on Nov. 12 during Atlanta's gay Out On Film festival, former AID Atlanta Education Director Mark King talks about his involvement with the drug. "I was a public health educator by day, and a drug-addicted barebacking pig at night," King said.

King, who began his career as an actor in commercials, learned in 1984 he was HIV-positive. "I was convinced I'd die soon. I decided I had to contribute, so I began working for AIDS agencies, back when few people would admit they were positive." Prior to his work at AID Atlanta, King was executive director of the AIDS Survival Project. But growing concurrently with his AIDS work was his appetite for drugs. "I did [ecstasy, GHB and ketamine]. That led to meth," he said.

"When you're using, you have no regard whatsoever for safe sex guidelines," said the former AIDS educator. "I didn't want safe sex." King moved from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale. Then, following a "slow, dreadful realization" of his addiction, he entered a drug treatment program two years ago.

He also discovered he had contracted hepatitis C from injecting meth. "I had to spend a year on chemotherapy. I had 48 consecutive weeks of interferon injections. It was a hellish experience. I couldn't function for a year." Today, King is on disability and is a self-described addict in recovery.

"Meth" includes the stories of other current and former users as well. Filmmaker Todd Ahlberg said, "Something sinister has descended over [gay] culture in the last few years. I've seen friends shift, falter and disappear. Meth use has created this shadow over gay men."

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