By Jennifer Morton, Managing Editor

 

POZ is thrilled to celebrate Mark S. King—beloved writer, longtime advocate and cherished voice in the HIV community—on his induction into the LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes not only his exceptional storytelling but also the profound impact of his life’s work, which includes his groundbreaking blog, My Fabulous Disease. His award-winning writing has been featured in POZ, The Advocate, Newsweek, Queerty and TheBody.com. In 2024, he published My Fabulous Disease: Chronicles of a Gay Survivor, a collection of essays that blends biting humor with powerful storytelling to explore HIV history, queer politics and his own journey through addiction.

 

Mark’s connection to POZ runs deep. He first appeared on the cover of the June 2013 issue, which featured his essay “The Sound of Stigma,” about why HIV stigma persists among gay men. In his award-winning 2018 essay, “The Truth About the 7,000,” he asked why so many people in the United States continue to die of AIDS each year. Over the years, Mark has documented what it means to live with HIV via his fearless and heartfelt writing, giving voice to experiences that move and connect with readers.

POZ June 2013

POZ June 2013

 

Mark’s induction speech—delivered at the NLGJA conference in Atlanta on September 6, 2025—is a stirring testament to his mission of storytelling. 

 

“This is really an acknowledgement of the power of storytelling of those of us living with HIV,” he said at the start of his speech. “The collective voice of HIV-positive people who have dealt with this for more than 40 years are powerful, they’re inspiring and they’re a road map to how we deal with adversity. I’m really glad that you’re acknowledging, through me, all of us living with HIV/AIDS who have been on the front lines for so long and have been writing and sharing our stories.”


He went on to honor the legacy of LGBTQ+ and longtime survivors, insisting theirs is not a story of tragedy but of triumph, community and survival forged through love and mutual aid. He called on younger generations not to retreat but to carry forward that spirit—especially for the Black, brown and transgender communities that are too often left behind.

 

Watch the full speech above or on YouTube. 

 

Mark S. King’s induction into the LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of his extraordinary career—it’s a tribute to the countless people living with HIV who have turned pain into purpose and survival into vital storytelling. Through his words, Mark has made people feel seen, heard and valued.  He has helped break the silence concerning HIV with truth, humor and heart. 

 

Congratulations, Mark—and to the fierce, beautiful community you represent. We celebrate the stories that continue to change lives and stand proudly with all who refuse to be forgotten.