Eminent transgender activist, author and actor Cecilia Gentili has died on Tuesday at the young age of 52. She was a versatile figure celebrated for her tireless advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community, specially for transgender rights, sex workers and immigrants.
Her life story, characterized by resilience and steady commitment, leaves a lasting impression on those she has inspired.
Passing of Cecilia Gentili was announced by her friends and family via a post on her instagram page on 6th February, 2024. It has also requested people to respect the privacy of her family at this grave hour.
“Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue watching over us in spirit,” the tribute read. “Please be gentle with each other and love one another with ferocity. We will be sharing more updates about services and what is to come in the following days. At this time, we’re asking for privacy, time, and space to grieve.”
Gentili was just in the middle of her creative journey. She released her awesome debut book ‘Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who isn’t My Rapist’ in 2022 and performed her autobiographical off-broadway show Red Ink in 2023. Gentili told in an interview that she hoped the show would entertain people but also force them to grapple with the often harsh realities of trans life. “I wanted them to laugh, but also to wonder why we have to make trans people’s lives so hard,” she said.
Among her many achievements, Gentili chaired the Director of Policy at the GMHC (formerly Gay Men’s Health Crisis), a New York City-based AIDS service organization, and the founder of Trans Equity Consulting, an organizational development consulting firm that sought to center trans women of color, immigrants, sex workers, and incarcerated people.
Gentili was more than just a good speaker; she was deeply involved in community service and policy initiatives. From her internship at The LGBT Center in New York City to her contributions at Apicha Community Health Center, Gentili significantly impacted transgender health services. Her work as the Director of Policy at GMHC led to concrete outcomes, such as the passing of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) in 2019. Through projects like Trans Equity Consulting and Decrim NY, she aimed to uplift marginalized communities, advocating for equality and dignity for everyone.
Alongside her dedication to advocacy, Gentili demonstrated her multifaceted abilities as both a writer and performer. From her compelling portrayal of Miss Orlando on the TV series Pose to the debut of her solo production, Red Ink, she captivated audiences with her sincerity and poise. Her memoir, “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist,” received widespread praise for its raw portrayal of her personal experiences, earning her well-deserved acclaim and acknowledgment.
Cecilia Gentili’s journey embodies perseverance, commitment, and unyielding support for others. Despite facing hardships as an immigrant and sex worker, she rose to become a celebrated author, actor, and advocate, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and hope. As we remember her, let us carry forward her mission by driving for equality, justice, and dignity for every individual. While Cecilia Gentili may have passed away, her spirit and impact live on, guiding us towards a better and more compassionate tomorrow.