Cecilia Gentili, the famous transgender activist and well-known actress, died on February 6, 2026. Cecilia was 52 years old at the time of her death.
Her passing was announced in a statement shared on her Instagram page.
The statement read in part, “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.”
Born in Argentina, Gentili came out in 1984 and received asylum in the United States in 2012. From there, she became a well-known advocate for undocumented immigrants, sex workers, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
She dedicated her life to helping others and served as the director of policy at GMHC, the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, she was the founder of Trans Equity Consulting, committed to building the leadership of trans women of color and advocating for sex workers, immigrants, and incarcerated individuals.
She was also involved in the performing arts, played Miss Orlando on the critically acclaimed FX series “Pose,” and co-founded Transmissions Fest, the first all-trans music festival in New York City.
After news of her death was confirmed on social media, her colleagues and fans paid tribute to her, expressing their deep sadness, love, and appreciation for her life and work. Cecilia Gentili has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world.
In addition to being an actress and activist, Gentili was an author and she published “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist” in 2022. The book won the American Library Association’s Stonewall Book Award in 2023.
She will be remembered for her tireless advocacy and everlasting legacy.
