A New Star in the Heavens
The Year 2009 came in with a big bang. A new President, a new administration and great expectations for the citizens of the United States. Marcus Hernandez, leather columnist for the Bay Area Reporter was one of the celebrants looking forward to 2009.
Known to thousands of men and women, in his 77th year Marcus did what he did so well. He covered gay and lesbian events from coast to coast. Always bringing to his legions of readers, the latest coverage of current, past and future leather events.
For the most part, Marcus was there to cover the event first hand and the photo’s in his weekly column proved it. Chiding those who requested a mention of their upcoming event, and neglected to submit their information for his weekly column.
Generally the responsible person only let that happen once. Afterwards the plethora of the same notice, would cause Marcus to send out an email to the sender instructing them to cease and desist. One notice was enough.
There were those who took offense to some of his columns. if their names were mentioned. But rest assured, every Thursday morning when the BAR came out men and women raced to the newsstand to see if their name made the news, and immediately memorized the page number. When the name was not mentioned, and someone thought it might be them, the phone rang at the BAR office, all wanting to speak to Mr. Marcus. For those who were hellbent on making his column knowing it was something ridiculous, immoral or just plain stupid, Marcus would deal the ultimate blow by never mentioning their name or actions in print ever again. This (to many) publicity hounds was considered a fate worse than death.
Mr. Marcus had a favorite saying, “I don’t make the news, I only report it”. And report it he did. Scoundrels stealing money from gay organizations, local politico’s who talked from both sides of their mouth (as he put it). He took them all to task.
He was a firm believer in equality, fairness and gay rights and same sex marriage rights. He was not happy with the outcome of Proposition 8 in California last year and made his feeling loud and clear. One always knew where Marcus stood on any issue weather you agreed with him or not.
There were those who were not in agreement with anything Marcus said or did. Those who accused him of only getting a story partially correct, or a misspelled name, an incorrect caption line, or incorrect date. Granted, those things did happen. But in fairness to the man, those things were not always his fault. Many were the time that if an apology was needed, one was forthcoming.
Marcus championed many charitable causes in the bay area. Over the years lending his name, sponsoring, and raising hundreds of thousand of dollars. Especially when the aids epidemic hit in the early 1980’s. The Aids Emergency Fund was just one of many.
Many times he would hear of someone who’s illness prevented them from being able to exist, and who did not even live in the San Francisco Bay area, and would send a check. Such was the case of a young man in NYC who he had never met, did not know, who lost everything except his life in a horrible fire.
Marcus had his faults as all of us do from time to time, but he was the first to admit that. He could be (and was stubborn and hard headed) at times. Even Marcus and I had a disagreement, which resulted in our not speaking to each other for six months in the early 80’s. I would not back down, nor would he. However 6 months was as long as we could stay apart. There was too much dish that we had to discuss.
Known as Mr Marcus to thousands around the world, he set the standard for leather etiquette, history and information. His weekly leather column for over 38 years has kept every leather person, and those interested in the leather world abreast of information from coast to coast and around the world
Marcus passed away Thursday October 8, 2009 at age 77. Marcus had been hospitalized for several months. The Doctors were treating him for several ailments. Being such a fighter, all of his friends had hoped he would pull through and make a strong recovery. Sadly enough there were those in the San Francisco area and supposed friends of Mr. Marcus who put out notices announcing his imminent demise weeks before his death. Marcus responded to those soothsayers of death via telephone,” rumors of my death have greatly been exaggerated”. He fought long and hard, and did not leave this earth until he was ready.
I had the ultimate pleasure of calling Marcus my friend for well over 42 years. A friend who would do anything for you. A friend who would let you know when he was right and you were wrong or vice versa. Very straight forward with a live and let live philosophy and yet defend the gay and lesbian community to the utmost. Yet for all his gruff exterior, Marcus was the softie, with a heart of gold, who had a difficult time saying the word No to anyone, who saved everything that anyone gave him and treasured it.
Although he was a member of the SF Imperial Court system, and held the title of Emperor 1 AN, he felt the court system and leathermen could successfully exist together. He did not agree with every policy, but he did support and defend it’s existence. He had his favorite Emperor and Empresses, and attended many coronations over the years. His friendship with Jose Sarria was one that he treasured.
To sum it up, Remarkable, Amazing, funny, and the likes of Marcus Hernandez will never be seen again. To say he will be missed, would be an understatement. Those who knew him should feel fortunate to have shared advice, mentoring, friendship, leather history and the love he gave to all of us.
The celebration of the life of Gilbert Marcus Hernandez will be held Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 1: 00 PM. City Nights, 715 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA.