Mark Kernes, a revered writer, editor, and one of the most enduring legal voices in the adult entertainment industry, passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 76.

A passionate defender of free expression and a decades-long champion for sex worker rights, Mark Kernes leaves behind a legacy defined by journalistic rigor, moral clarity, and unshakable commitment to civil liberties.

Kernes was best known for his nearly four-decade tenure at Adult Video News (AVN), where he served in numerous roles, including Senior Editor, Managing Editor, and Chief Legal Analyst.

From the 1980s onward, he became the industry’s go-to source for legal reporting, demystifying court battles and obscenity prosecutions. His ability to explain complex legal issues with sharp analysis and deep empathy earned him respect far beyond the adult industry.

He was truly passionate about his work and loved the adult industry.

Born in 1948 in Trenton, New Jersey, Kernes brought a unique blend of activism, intellect, and countercultural spirit to everything he did. A self-described “red diaper baby,” he grew up in a politically conscious household and attended Windsor Mountain School and New York University, where he studied English.

He spent years as a court reporter before joining AVN in 1983, initially as a freelance reviewer, after being recruited by AVN founder Paul Fishbein.

“Mark Kernes was clearly much of the heart and soul of AVN for decades,” said Fishbein. “He was quirky, intellectual, and odd in a good way. But he was also smart, easy-going, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. AVN would not have been AVN without Mark.”

Over his career, Kernes chronicled and defended the adult industry during some of its most turbulent times. He reported on legal crackdowns, First Amendment fights, and the evolving battles over obscenity law.

He also coined the now-standard genre term “gonzo”, a nod to his admiration for Hunter S. Thompson.

Outside of AVN, Kernes served for nearly 20 years on the board of the Free Speech Coalition, including over a dozen years as Secretary. In 2018, the FSC named him its first-ever Director Emeritus, recognizing his steadfast contributions to the defense of sexual speech and creators’ rights.

“Mark did not judge people by gender, race, or orientation,” said Jeffrey Douglas, FSC board chair. “He was a gentle, loving soul and one of the most dedicated advocates the adult industry has ever known.”

Kernes was also known for his wide-ranging interests: 3D photography, comic books, psychedelic culture, and progressive politics. His love for adult film as both entertainment and cultural commentary was unwavering. In 2022, he published Preachers vs. Porn: Exposing Christianity’s War on Sexxx, a book that encapsulated his dual passions for free speech and civil rights.

Though he retired from AVN in 2021, Kernes remained a guiding voice for many in the industry. He mentored younger writers, advised legal teams, and stayed active in public discussions around sex work and censorship. I can truly say it was always a joy to speak with him on Twitter.

“He could write about anything,” said AVN Editor-in-Chief Dan Miller. “And he never turned down an assignment.”

Mark Kernes died at his home in Oroville, California, after receiving hospice care for multiple health conditions. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Knowles, his sister Susan, his brother Julian, and extended family.

A private memorial will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Free Speech Coalition, where Mark Kernes’ tireless advocacy will be remembered and continued.

“Mark Kernes made the world safer for people who dared to speak, create, and perform without shame,” said one colleague. “His pen was a sword, and he used it to protect us all.”

May he now rest in peace.