Actress and LGBT+ Activist Has Passed Away
The world bids farewell to a luminous advocate and actress, Cecilia Gentili, who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. Cecilia, 52, passed away on February 6, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering activism and artistic brilliance.
A statement shared on her Instagram page announced the heartbreaking news: “Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue watching over us in spirit. Please be gentle with each other and love one another with ferocity.”
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Amid an outpouring of love and grief, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed, “Our community will never be the same without you, Cecilia. Thank you for giving us so much, relentlessly, every single day.”
Cecilia’s impact extended beyond the screen, as her Pose co-stars remembered her as a fierce advocate and trailblazer. Angelica Ross wrote, “Such a fierce advocate. Rest in Power,” while Dominique Jackson hailed her as “AN ACTIVIST, AN ICON, A TRAILBLAZER, A MOTHER, A WIFE, AN ACTRESS AND COMEDIAN, AN AMAZING SISTER AND A PHENOMENAL HUMAN BEING!”
Born in Argentina, Cecilia publicly came out in 1984, dedicating her life to championing the rights of undocumented immigrants, sex workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. In 2012, she sought asylum in New York, where she continued her relentless advocacy until her final days.
In her later years, Cecilia transitioned into the realm of art, leaving an indelible mark with her one-woman show, Red Ink, which debuted at New York’s Rattlestick Theater. The play, a critically-acclaimed exploration of her early life and struggles with religion, showcased her multifaceted talent and earned praise from audiences and critics alike.
Reflecting on the unexpected success of Red Ink, Cecilia shared her joy in an interview with Interview magazine: “I am still trying to grasp the idea of having an off-Broadway show, because it wasn’t really planned. I’m really, really happy. I cannot lie.”
As the LGBT+ community mourns the loss of Cecilia Gentili, her spirit of activism, resilience, and artistic brilliance will continue to inspire generations to come. To hear more about her death and who she was, check out the video below.
How has Gentili’s advocacy and artistry inspired or influenced your understanding of inclusivity and social justice?
