“Pose” star and transgender activist Cecilia Gentili died on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the age of 52. The tragic news became public after her management shared the story on the actress’ Instagram page. “Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue watching over us in spirit,” the post read.
It continued, asking the public “for privacy, time, and space to grieve.” However, the post did not share her cause of death. Soon after the announcement on the actress’ Instagram page, the LGBTQIA+ advocacy group GLAAD confirmed the news.
The group announced the news on their Instagram, praising Gentili for her commitment to service in the trans community. “We are devastated to hear about the death of Cecilia Gentili,” they wrote. “Cecilia was a pillar in the trans community and a dedicated advocate.”
The group added that she was “a striking actress on the hit TV program ‘Pose,’ an incredible journalist, and a sex worker.” In addition, GLAAD noted that Gentili “just celebrated her 52nd birthday, surrounded by friends, loved ones, and community.”
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According to the nonprofit, Gentili worked alongside several different organizations. She even founded Trans Equity Consulting and Decrim NY, which works toward “decriminalization, decarceration, and destigmatization of sex workers.”
Furthermore, Cecilia Gentili released a memoir titled “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist” in 2022. The memoir was successful and became a favorite among fans and the LGBTQIA+ community. It also won the American Library Association’s 2023 Stonewall Book Award.
Born in Argentina, Cecilia Gentili came out in 1984 and received asylum in the United States in 2012. Afterward, she landed a role in the first season of “Pose.” In “Pose,” Gentili played Miss Orlando, a New York City woman who offers discounted cosmetic surgery to trans women.
Following the news of her passing, several of her co-stars, including Dominique Jackson, shared emotional tributes to the late actress. Jackson, who also appeared in “Pose,” paid tribute to Gentili with a heartfelt post on Instagram featuring a clip of the two on the show.
“AN ACTIVIST, AN ICON, A TRAILBLAZER, A MOTHER, A WIFE, AN ACTRESS AND COMEDIAN, AN AMAZING SISTER, AND A PHENOMENAL HUMAN BEING! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💕💕💕💕💕💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖” Jackson, captioned her post.
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Above the heartfelt video, Jackson wrote, “REST IN POWER AND ACCOMPLISHMENT BEAUTIFUL SISTER.” Similarly, Angelica Ross, who also appeared in “Pose,” honored Gentili on social media. “REST IN POWER CECILIA,” Ross wrote on her Instagram Story atop a clip from the show.
In addition, Hailie Sahar, a “Pose” co-star, wrote on her Instagram Story, “Rest well, sister.” She added, “Your talent was so bright, and you are an inspiration.” Besides acting, Cecilia Gentili was an award-winning author.
She previously served as Director of Policy at Gay Men’s Health Crisis. In 2021, the late actress founded the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. The center offers healthcare services for the LGBTQ community in New York “regardless of their ability to pay,” per its website.
Furthermore, Gentili worked with The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center. According to GLAAD, she also worked with the APICHA (Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS) Community Health Center in New York.
Gentili’s management and family are yet to announce her official memorial service. However, many of her fans came together on Wednesday night at a church in New York City to pay their respects to the artist.
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