– Cecilia Gentili, trans activist and author, has passed away
– Remembering Cecilia Gentili, a prominent trans activist and author.
Cecilia Gentili, Transgender Activist, Actress, and Author, Passes Away at 52
London, UK – Cecilia Gentili, a prominent transgender activist, actress, and author based in New York City, sadly passed away on Wednesday at the age of 52. The news of her death was announced on her Instagram page, where her loved ones expressed their grief and urged others to be kind and loving towards each other.
A Passionate Advocate for Trans Rights, Immigration, and Sex Workers
Gentili, originally from Argentina, moved to the United States in search of a safer life as a transgender woman. She dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of trans individuals, immigrants, and sex workers. In 2019, she founded Transgender Equity Consulting, a firm that provides diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting.
Her journey in the U.S. was not an easy one. For the first decade, she lived as an undocumented immigrant and engaged in sex work. She also battled substance abuse during that time. However, after winning asylum and receiving treatment, Gentili turned her life around and began a career in social services and public policy.
A Trailblazing Career in Social Services and Public Policy
Gentili’s impactful work spanned several organizations and initiatives. From 2012 to 2016, she worked at Apicha Community Health Center, where she played a crucial role in developing trans health services. Later, she joined GMHC as the managing director of policy, advocating for the Gender Non-Discrimination Act, which was signed into law in New York State in 2019.
In addition to her advocacy work, Gentili founded Decrim NY, an organization that aims to decriminalize, decarcerate, and destigmatize individuals in the sex trade. She was instrumental in developing state legislation to support survivors of trafficking and to repeal a discriminatory “loitering” law that targeted transgender individuals suspected of engaging in sex work.
Furthermore, Gentili co-founded COIN (Cecilia’s Occupational Inclusion Network) in collaboration with Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. COIN provided free healthcare services to sex workers, making a significant impact on the lives of many. Her dedication to the cause earned her a Community Health Award from Callen-Lorde in 2019.
A Talented Actress and Award-Winning Author
Gentili showcased her talents as an actress in the hit show Pose, where she portrayed the character Miss Orlando. Additionally, she wrote and performed a solo stage show called Red Ink, which was based on her early life experiences. The show was set to be revived in April.
In 2022, Gentili published her memoir, Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist, which received critical acclaim. The book went on to win the prestigious Stonewall Book Award from the American Library Association in 2023.
A Lasting Legacy and Heartfelt Tributes
News of Gentili’s passing has left many devastated, and tributes have poured in from various individuals and organizations. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis expressed her condolences, highlighting Gentili’s significant impact on the trans community. Angelica Ross and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, both stars of Pose, also paid their respects on Gentili’s Instagram page, acknowledging her fierce advocacy and legacy.
The loss of Cecilia Gentili is deeply felt, and the LGBTQ+ community has lost a true champion. New York Governor Kathy Hochul shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram page, acknowledging Gentili’s contributions to the trans rights movement and the countless lives she touched with love, joy, and acceptance.
Although the cause of her death remains unknown at this time, Cecilia Gentili’s memory and legacy will continue to inspire and empower future generations to fight for equality and justice.
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Cecilia Gentili, trans activist and author, has died
Cecilia Gentili, trans activist and author’s passing.
