Mister Marcus Dies At 77

Bay Area Reporter columnist Marcus Hernandez, known internationally to the leather community as Mister Marcus, has died at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. His snark and gossip-filled column ran in the BAR for 38 years.

The cause of death was complications from diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Mr. Hernandez was known to his legions of readers by his pen name "Mister Marcus" and dubbed the "dean of leather columnists." His weekly columns of contest goings-on and gossip were a must-read for leather community leaders, titleholders, and newcomers alike for 38 years. Mr. Hernandez had been hospitalized since the summer, when his health condition worsened. He was surrounded by friends at the time of his death; one of his sons had traveled from North Carolina to be at his bedside earlier this week. "Mr. Marcus has been a San Francisco institution for decades," said B.A.R. publisher Thomas E. Horn. "He unapologetically brought his message of pride for the LGBT community in general and his beloved leather community in particular not only to San Francisco but to all the United States and even the world.

I've attended uncountable events emceed by Mister Marcus, where no one was safe from his rapier wit. He always made even the most mundane goings-on amusing. A memorial in celebration of his life will be held on November 21st at City Lights, 715 Harrison Street, San Francisco.