Cecilia Gentili, Trans Activist, Performer and Author
1. Cecilia Gentili dies at 52
2. Trans activist Cecilia Gentili passes away at 52.
Cecilia Gentili, a fierce advocate for transgender people and sex workers, as well as a powerful legislative lobbyist, author, and performer, passed away on February 3 at the age of 52. Her longtime partner, Peter Scotto, announced her death, although the cause was not specified.
Born in Argentina, Cecilia faced numerous challenges throughout her life. She often joked about having a master’s degree in being an immigrant, a sex worker, a trans woman, and an addict. Having experienced all of these aspects firsthand, she became an expert in navigating these difficult circumstances.
Cecilia’s journey brought her to the United States in 2000, seeking safety and a better life. However, she faced hardships as an undocumented and homeless individual who was trafficked for prostitution. Additionally, she battled a heroin addiction and endured multiple arrests. Her struggles led her to Rikers Island, where she was placed in the men’s ward and experienced rape and abuse.
Even after being transferred to immigration detention, Cecilia found herself in an unsafe environment due to her gender identity. Eventually, she was able to secure a place in a rehab facility with the help of an immigration case worker. After spending 17 months there, she emerged clean and ready to rebuild her life.
Cecilia’s first stop after rehab was The Center, a community hub for L.G.B.T.Q. individuals in Manhattan. It was there that her mentors assisted her in writing a resume, realizing that her experiences in sex work had equipped her with marketable skills. She excelled in roles that required phone communication, scheduling, and customer service.
Her first legitimate job was at the Apicha Community Health Center in SoHo, where she worked as an H.I.V. peer navigator. She later became the trans health program coordinator, overseeing a clinic that grew from four patients to over 500. With her passion for helping others, she thrived in this role and also excelled in policy work. Eventually, she became the managing director of policy at GMHC, an organization dedicated to AIDS prevention.
In 2018, Cecilia founded Trans Equity Consulting, an organization that advises companies on equity issues and advocates for trans women of color, sex workers, immigrants, and incarcerated individuals. She achieved many legislative victories during her career, including lobbying for the passage of the New York State Gender Expression and Discrimination Act in 2019. She also played a crucial role in repealing the Walking While Trans Ban, which unfairly targeted trans women and women of color.
Furthermore, Cecilia was one of the lead plaintiffs in a successful lawsuit against the Trump administration, defending trans protections outlined in the Affordable Care Act. At the time of her passing, she was actively involved in lobbying for the decriminalization of sex work and drafting related legislation through her organization, DecrimNY.
Cecilia’s impact reached far beyond her legislative achievements. She was a gifted storyteller and performed in one-woman shows, drawing from her own harrowing experiences. Her talent led her to be cast in the FX series “Pose,” where she portrayed a sketchy body enhancer.
In 2022, Cecilia published her first book, “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist.” The book chronicled her complex and traumatic upbringing through a series of letters to friends, family, and tormentors. It received critical acclaim for its raw and powerful storytelling.
Cecilia Gentili’s life was marked by resilience, advocacy, and a dedication to making a difference for marginalized communities. Her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and her fight for equality will be remembered and celebrated. She leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and acceptance..
1. Cecilia Gentili, Trans Activist, Performer and Author Passes Away at 52
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