The LGBTQIA+ community mourns the loss of a true trailblazer, Cecilia Gentili, whose impactful life and contributions have left an indelible mark on the fight for equality and justice.
Early Life and Struggles
Born in Argentina, Cecilia Gentili came out in 1984, embarking on a journey that would redefine the landscape of transgender activism. Her remarkable life included a period of living in the United States ‘undocumented’ for ten years, during which she also worked as a sex worker.
A Turning Point: Asylum and Activism
Gentili received asylum in the United States in 2012, a turning point that fueled her dedication to advocating for the rights of undocumented immigrants, sex workers, and the LGBTQIA+ community. She served as the director of policy at GMHC, a leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy, from 2016 to 2019.
Trans Equity Consulting and Transmissions Fest
In 2019, Gentili founded Trans Equity Consulting, a groundbreaking initiative committed to building the leadership of trans women of color, centering sex workers, immigrants, and incarcerated individuals as experts in creating a more just world.
She co-founded Transmissions Fest in 2022, the first all-trans music festival in New York City. The event aimed to shift the focus from mere inclusion to centering the experiences of trans individuals. Proceeds from the festival went on to benefit multiple LGBTQ+ charities.
A Legacy in Entertainment: “Pose” and Beyond
Cecilia Gentili showcased her talent on the critically acclaimed FX series “Pose,” where she portrayed Miss Orlando, a character providing discounted plastic surgery. The show, which ran from 2018 to 2021, gained widespread acclaim for its authentic representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Cecilia Gentili Obituary
Tributes Pour In
Following the confirmation of Gentili’s passing, tributes flooded social media, reflecting the profound impact she had on the lives of those she touched.
- US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her gratitude, saying, “Our community will never be the same without you, Cecilia. Thank you for giving us so much, relentlessly, every single day. You transformed so many lives and shined a light across Jackson Heights, Corona, and beyond.”
- Dominique Jackson, her co-star from “Pose,” shared a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging Gentili’s unapologetic and true legacy: “Even in death you are a force to be reckoned with, your legacy one of movement, love, and compassion unapologetic and true. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BEAUTIFUL STRONG SISTER! REST WELL!”
- Angelica Ross, another “Pose” actress and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, paid her respects, calling Gentili a “fierce advocate” and bidding her to “Rest in Power.”
- Drag performer Chiquitita shared a touching video of the two performing together, expressing gratitude, “I will honor your name for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being a mother to me.”
What Happened to Cecilia Gentili?
While the exact details surrounding Cecilia Gentili’s death remain private, the impact of her life and work resonates deeply within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Her passing serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for advocacy and support for marginalized communities.
Cecilia Gentili Cause of Death
While the cause of Cecilia Gentili’s death has not been officially disclosed, her legacy as an advocate, entertainer, and inspiration lives on. The impact of her work reverberates through the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring that her memory will endure as a symbol of resilience and progress.
In the words of her peers and admirers, Cecilia Gentili’s departure leaves a void, but her contributions have sown seeds of positive change that will continue to flourish for years to come.