 |
  
|
  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark S. King
My Fabulous Disease
HIV and Gay Media: The Vanishing Virus
February 27, 2013 The turning point could be traced to August of 1998. It was the month that, for the first time in well over a decade, the Bay Area Reporter did not have a single AIDS obituary submitted for publication. The promise of protease inhibitor medications had been realized, and it felt for many that our long community nightmare was coming to a close.
Treating My Facial Wasting With Artefill
January 16, 2013 For several years now, I've made the occasional pilgrimage to Vero Beach, Florida, to be treated by Dr. Gerald Pierone for facial wasting, or lipoatrophy. And for all of these years, we have battled The Look: the sunken cheeks and sagging face of someone who has been on HIV medications for a long time. In my latest video blog below, you're going to see our progress, step by step.
The Night Don Lemon Hugged Me
December 13, 2012
Our first meeting on-camera was six years ago. The memory of it pains me still, despite my enthusiasm for appearing on national television for any reason whatsoever.
On Board the 2012 HIV Cruise Retreat
November 7, 2012 Richard is handsome and adorably shy. His sister began emailing me a few months ago, wondering if her brother might enjoy the HIV Cruise Retreat, because he isn't able to disclose his status comfortably in his fairly small town.
Is There Pride in Being HIV Positive?
October 18, 2012
During my new video blog episode, below, someone asks me incredulously if I would actually march down the street telling people I was HIV positive.
AIDS 2012 Farewell: The Voices of the World
July 27, 2012 The seven foot Mexican drag queen handing out condoms springs to mind, of course. And escape artists Daniel Bauer's highly personal show mixing magic with confessions from his life as a gay man living with HIV. Seeing presentations by mentors I admire, such as Sean Strub and Edwin Bernard. The Australian chief justice with a gay partner of 43 years, giving me suggestions on maintaining a long marriage ("give in," he advised).
AIDS2012 Day Four: The Global Village
July 26, 2012 It's time for a tour of the heart and soul of the International AIDS Conference in D.C.: The Global Village. This massive hall is the only part of the conference open to the public, and it has a grassroots feel, crafted from the love and devotion of hundreds of community groups that are doing "the work on the ground" in cities and small towns throughout the world.
AIDS 2012 Day Three: The March on Washington
July 25, 2012 The people included in the video can speak for themselves, and quite eloquently. Maybe it was the emotions of the event -- anger, nervousness, pride -- but it was an exhausting day. I felt the residue of grief for lost friends in a way I haven't experienced in years.
Day Two at AIDS 2012: Singers, Stigma and Subways
July 24, 2012 Day Two of the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) roared through its first full day on Monday, and there are sights to behold. I spent some time in the exhibit hall critiquing the fashions (and the issues) of various attendees with fashion maven Jack Mackenroth; started a YouTube rivalry with inspirational singer Jamar Rogers ("The Voice"); and learned about HIV again from an expert with UK HIV organization the Terrence Higgins Trust. And, with all the talk at the conference about the devastating effects of HIV stigma, I found validation of my own HIV status in the unlikeliest of places: the Gallery Place subway station.
Day One at the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012)
July 23, 2012 On the first official day of AIDS 2012, the schedule is light but the party is rolling, with an outdoor concert steps away from the AIDS quilt, dancing dignitaries, and a somewhat surprise ending!
Comment by: Michael
(Hawaii)
Thu., Jul. 28, 2011 at 3:58 pm EDT If you're a Kaiser patient and considering facial fillers, the time has come. Kaiser Hawaii, and possibly California, has approved Sculptra for lipoatrophy. My sessions cost me only the $15 copay! I'm exited after my first injections and (needles aside) looking forward to the subsequent sessions. It's already making me feel and think better about myself.
Comment by: Danny W
(Bradenton, FL)
Mon., May. 31, 2010 at 3:21 pm EDT Mark, I saw your youtube video on POZIAM, you really seem to have it together. I too am in recovery (alcohol) "Gin will make you sin." I was diagnosed in November of 2008 and lost my job of six (6) years the following day that same year I also lost my Mom, we were really close. I put myself in a 35 day treatment program and it was the best thing I've ever done to date! I speak at the treatment facility about my HIV, I am "the face of HIV & recovery." It's not a paying job, but I do get to have lunch with the residents and provide them with encouragement, experience, strength and hope. Additionaly, I am the co-chair on our county's advisory board for HIV/AIDS. In my county one in every five people is infected and has no clue! I've said this before and I'm sure I'll say it again, I'm not an activist but I do have a voice! I would love to follow your blog, I think you are facsinating and an inspiration. Keep up the awesome work! Danny W
Comment by: David Treadaway
(Jackson, GA)
Mon., Jul. 6, 2009 at 8:51 pm EDT I found your blog through my church newsletter. I happen to go to Virginia Highland Church in Atlanta and am fortunate to have Chris Glaser as my pastor. He is a wonderful friend to have! I am happy to say that I have a partner now of 25 yrs.! So far, we are both HIV free. That was not the case, so to speak, in 1996. I developed a serious illness that landed me in the hospital. My doctor knew that I was gay and it seemed like I was railroaded down this path. I got diagnoised with full blown AIDS! The treatment back then was gruesome! Nobody wanted to touch you...the attending nurses were actually scared of being around you and the equipment they wore was to make sure they did not in anyway get exposed to something. How isolated we felt! Our lives were sent to Hell and back to say the least. Thank God treatment has improved and the stigma of the disease has lost the luster of fear of the individual that might have it. Our best friend is HIV+. That does not stop us or him. We continue to encourage him and ourselves through this. The journey continues. We are happy to be where we are in life now and look forward to many years ahead, not only with our best friend, but together. People hurt each other and do not mean to do so. I felt isolated and alone although I had my partner during my hospital stay in '96. Nobody knows unless they have been there the hurt, pain and fear that one feels. It was a false diagnosis but we have been there. We are very supportive of our fellow friends with HIV. To you all... there is hope, life and support. It is no longer a death sentence but a wake up call to living life a new and exciting way. Choose your friends carefully, find your creator that you belive in...whomever that may be, trust those of influence, listen, learn and be healthy. We thought our lives were broken and over. I was supposed to be dead 10 yrs. ago. Still healthy and doing well, HIV free. Thanks for listening!
Comment by: pauley may
(detroit)
Tue., Jun. 9, 2009 at 8:05 pm EDT hang in there, you are not alone and you look great!!!
Comment by: cadillac
(md-usa)
Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 4:49 pm EDT my trust in the lord that's how i've been getting terrible diease, but also i have been focusing on other people i truly forgot about my status. and oh by the way i've been hiv positive close to 30 yrs.
Add Your Comment:
(Please note: Your name and comment will be public, and may even show up in
Internet search results. Be careful when providing personal information! Before adding your comment, please read TheBody.com's Comment Policy.) |
VIDEO BLOG:
My Fabulous Disease Mark S. King has been an active AIDS activist, writer and community organization leader since the early 1980s in Los Angeles. He has been an outspoken advocate for prevention education and for issues important to those living with HIV. Diagnosed in 1985, Mark has held positions with the Los Angeles Shanti Foundation, AID Atlanta and AIDS Survival Project, and is an award-winning writer. He continues his volunteer work as an AIDS educator and speaker for conferences and events. Speaking engagements: Mark King is available to speak to groups. Contact Mark about speaking at your organization or event! More About Mark: Subscribe to Mark's Blog:
Recent Posts:
February 27, 2013 - HIV and Gay Media: The Vanishing Virus
January 16, 2013 - Treating My Facial Wasting With Artefill: A Video Blog by Mark S. King December 13, 2012 - The Night Don Lemon Hugged Me: A Blog Entry by Mark S. King November 7, 2012 - On Board the 2012 HIV Cruise Retreat: A Blog Entry by Mark S. King October 18, 2012 - Is There Pride in Being HIV Positive? A Video Blog by Mark S. King  View an excerpt of Mark's book Interviews With Mark:
Mark King Looks Back at the AIDS Epidemic's Darkest Hour in the U.S. (May 14, 2008) Articles by Mark:
Meth Burial (May 2008) A Brief Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Body: About The Body | Contact The Body | Content Policy | Content Providers | Advertise With Us | Site Map The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10107. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Email
Comments
Print-Friendly
Glossary
Subscribe
