A New York City lady who dedicated her life to the emancipation of underprivileged people died on Tuesday, one week after turning 52.
The family and friends of “beloved” Argentine advocate Cecilia Gentili confirmed the news on Instagram, adding she will “continue watching over us in spirit.” Gentili’s cause of death was not immediately known.
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“Please be gentle with each other and love one another with ferocity,” the caption adds.
Tributes flooded in for Gentili, who established a career of “uplifting trans people, sex workers, immigrants, and those pushed to the margins,” according to a statement from Trans Equity Consulting, which Gentili created in 2019.
She has worked in various roles for a variety of local non-profit groups over the years, including The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, Apicha Community Health Center, Gay Men’s Health Center (now GMHC), and, most recently, Trans Equity Consulting.
“Cecilia, a fervent believer in action and impact over thoughts and prayers, prompts us all to carry her life’s work forward in providing material support to marginalized communities and fighting for a more just world,” the statement goes on to say. Learn more about Cecilia Gentili, a transgender author, campaigner, and performer.
Cecilia Gentili Cause of Death
“I carry death around in my body like a condemnation. But I do live. The bee flies. There must be some way to integrate death into living, neither ignoring it nor giving in to it,” wrote Audre Lorde.@likethediner remembers Cecilia Gentili: https://t.co/jRp0PwYlE4
— Reckon (@reckonnews) February 8, 2024
Who was Cecilia Gentili?
Cecilia Gentili was born in 1972 in Gálvez, Santa Fe, Argentina. She encountered hardships as she grew up, including being assaulted by a neighbor between the ages of 6 and 10.
Gentili came out as gay at the age of twelve, but her family’s reaction varied. Her mother was somewhat open-minded, but her father disputed her identity, and her brother battled to accept it.
The only family member who freely talked about gender with her was her Indigenous grandmother. Gentili faced persecution and assault as a child because of her gender identity, particularly in a country where wearing attire associated with the other gender was forbidden.
How Has the Community Reacted to News of Her Passing?
Many individuals, including long-time admirers, loved ones, and even celebrities, took to the comment area to thank Gentili for everything he had done for the community.
“This is penetrating so deep. Talk about the definition of Motha!!!! Rest in power you sweet sweet Angel!!!! Thank you for constantly holding us, loving us, protecting us!! You have done and surpassed your mission. We are forever grateful,” fellow advocate and creative Jari Jones said.
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New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged that the community would never be the same without her.
“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. Que en paz descanse,” she wrote in the comments.
Chiquitita, a drag performer and actress, stated Wednesday that she will continue to honor Cecilia’s name for the rest of her life.
“Thank you for everything. thank you for being a mother to me.”
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