MK Rainey
11/01/1943 – 05/31/2025
Columbus, Ohio
MK Rainey, known most widely to the LGBTQ+ community as Mark Martin, died peacefully in his own home in late May 2025. MK was born in Statesville, North Carolina to a military family.
For years MK (as Mark) was the most senior drag king in Central Ohio, and probably all of the Midwest (perhaps even beyond). Mark started kinging sometime in the early 1990’s and had the honor of being crowned Mr. Gay Ohio on at least one occasion. Mark was always an independent performer, never part of a troupe, but often part of H.I.S. Kings, Royal Renegades and IDKE shows.
MK’s former wife Jean sewed all of his costumes. And, MK and Jean delivered the Gay People’s Chronicle all over Central Ohio before independent LGBTQ print media died.
For paid employment, MK was a physical education teacher at Columbus’ old North High School. MK also worked as a teacher at the St. Joseph Montessori School. Being a member of St. Timothy’s Parrish in Columbus was an important part of MK’s life.
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