By Elizabeth Keogh
Prominent New York trans rights advocate Cecilia Gentili has died.
“Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue watching over us in spirit,” stated a message posted to her Instagram account on Tuesday.
Gentili was an award-winning author, activist, actor and founder of Trans Equity Consulting, a New York City-based firm that offers guidance to the LGBTQ community. Previously, she was the director of policy at Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a nonprofit AIDS service organization.
“New York’s LGBTQ+ community has lost a champion in trans icon Cecilia Gentili,” NY Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote in a post on X. “As an artist and steadfast activist in the trans rights movement, she helped countless people find love, joy, and acceptance.”
Gentili often made appearances at city LGBTQ protests and Pride events.
Originally from Argentina, Gentili came to New York in pursuit of a safer life as a transgender woman, according to her biography on Trans Equity’s website.
