Cecilia Gentili, a prominent transgender activist known for her role in the FX series Pose, has passed away at the age of 52. The sad news was shared on Tuesday via a heartfelt statement posted on her Instagram account, where she was described as “our beloved Cecilia Gentili,” now watching over us in spirit. The post respectfully requested privacy to allow time and space for grieving.

GLAAD, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group, also confirmed Gentili’s passing, hailing her as “a pillar in the trans community.” According to GLAAD, Gentili, who hailed from Argentina, bravely came out as transgender in 1984 and sought asylum in the United States in 2012.

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A post shared by Cecilia Gentili (@ceciliagentili72)

In addition to her acting career, Gentili believed in advocacy work. She co-founded Decrim NY, a coalition dedicated to the decriminalization, decarceration, and destigmatization of sex work. Moreover, she established the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, which provides vital healthcare services to LGBTQ communities in New York, regardless of their financial circumstances. Notably, Cecilia’s Occupational Inclusion Network within the center also offered free healthcare to sex workers.

Gentili’s commitment to community service extended to her involvement with organizations such as The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center and the APICHA Community Health Center, both based in New York City.

In her literary pursuits, Gentili penned a memoir titled “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist,” which garnered acclaim, including the prestigious American Library Association’s Stonewall Book Award in 2023. Additionally, she ventured into solo performance with her show “Red Ink,” scheduled to return to The Public Theater in New York City this April.

Cecilia Gentili’s legacy as a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community and a tireless advocate for marginalized groups will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come. Her contributions to activism, healthcare, and the arts leave an indelible mark on the world.