Remembering Trans Advocate Cecilia Gentilli
By Michael Coppola
Cecilia Gentilli, a transgender activist, actress, and author, passed away on February 6th 2024. Born in Argentina in 1972, Gentill’s life was filled with many challenges. Nonetheless, she was an incredible advocate, committed to fighting for justice for the transgender community
Gentilli arrived in the United States, New York city, undocumented, driven by the dream of living openly as a transgender woman. Instead of giving into hardship, Gentilli channeled her struggles into activism. She held leadership positions at LGBTQ+ organizations like GMHC and APICHA, fighting for HIV/AIDS care and visibility for transgender individuals. In 2018, she founded Trans Equity Consulting, a firm dedicated to empowering companies to embrace trans inclusivity and advocating for transgender women of color, immigrants, and incarcerated individuals.
Gentilli’s activism extended beyond boardrooms and policy meetings. She co-founded Decrim NY, a crucial organization in decriminalizing sex work and repealing the discriminatory “Walking while trans” law in New York. She even made appearances on the television screen, performing in the FX series “Pose,” highlighting the lives and struggles of transgender women of color.
In 2023, she joined hundreds arrested at a rally demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to social justice beyond the LGBTQ+ community. She consistently challenged biased coverage of transgender people in major publications like the New York Times, urging them to portray the community with authenticity and respect.
Through her warmth, humor, and honesty, she empowered countless transgender individuals to embrace their identities and fight for their rights. She co-founded “Cecilia’s Occupational Inclusion Network’’ (COIN), the first dedicated healthcare clinic for sex workers on the East Coast, offering not just medical care but a safe place and sense of belonging.
Her artistic abilities also served as a place for advocacy in the transgender community. Her book, “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist,” confronts sexual assault with much vulnerability, while her plays offered glimpse into the multifaceted lives of transgender individuals.
Cecila Gentilli’s legacy is very powerful. She was a bridge builder, connecting communities in the fight for social justice. She was an advocate, never shying away from speaking the truth to power, even when it meant putting herself at risk. But most importantly, she was a human being driven by love, compassion, and a belief in the worth of every individual.
While her physical presence is gone, her spirit lives in the countless lives she impacted, the policies she helped shape, and the communities she empowered.
About the Author:
Michael J Coppola is a passionate 16 year old who has been a performer in theatre and arts since he was 6 years old. Just recently he had the honor of being welcomed to be part of the Be A Friend Project (BAFP) Teen Kindness Board. Some of Michael’s interests include makeup, fashion, and especially singing and acting. At school he enjoys learning Chinese and writing, in hopes to write his first musical in the future. Michael identifies as Gay and Gender Queer and has been advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ youth since he was very young. He hopes that his work can positively impact others.
