ANKRBOY follows the raw and gripping journey of a man leading a double life—rising in the high-stakes world of television news while hiding his true identity in a world that demands conformity. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I wrote ANKRBOY for two reasons: 1.) To help heal myself and 2.) To hopefully help others who are struggling in their own lives. I was absolutely devastated when I lost my career in TV news when my secret was revealed. Writing the book helped me make sense of a lot of things that happened to me. During the process, I realized the news business needed me a lot more than I needed it. Living my life openly and authentically has brought me to a wonderful place and I’ve never been happier.

The media industry plays a pivotal role in your book. Do you think it has changed at all in terms of LGBTQ+ representation?

Yes, there’s been a dramatic change (for the better) in terms of LGBTQ+ representation in the media. In fact, I use that change in the set-up of my book comparing how open and honest today’s generation of LGBTQ+ journalists can be—and how that would have never worked for me. It was simply a different time—and I’m happy we’ve gotten to where we are today where LGBTQ+ journalists are not only accepted but celebrated.

The book has some emotional moments. What was the most emotional moment for you to write about?

There were many nights when I was writing ANKRBOY that cried my eyes out. I think the most difficult part was reliving the final hours of life with my first boyfriend who died of AIDS. He asked that I come over and help his parents give him one last hot bath. We sat for over an hour—as he soaked in the warm water—saying our goodbyes. It was absolutely crushing, but amazingly cathartic for both of us. I have to warn people about that chapter in the book (#21). It was extremely difficult to write—and just as difficult to read.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I’d tell “Young Mark” to relax. To breath. To believe. That everything would work out just the way it should—and great things are coming for him. To just keep going.

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