The Positive Women’s Network USA community is deeply saddened by the passing of long-time community leader, actress, author, activist, advocate, and trailblazer, Cecilia Gentili.

Ceclia has been a force among trans women of color not only in the U.S. but around the world and in her birthplace of Argentina. She fought passionately for the rights of undocumented immigrants, sex workers, people of trans experience, the Latine community, and people living with HIV. She worked with countless organizations and community leaders across the country and has stood on the front lines for so many years and for so many causes. Most recently, she was one of hundreds arrested at Grand Central Station while calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Cecilia was a  fearless fighter for human rights as well as an amazing support and friend. Her calming spirit and gentle way of communicating made her the great peace-maker, always quick to step in to resolve conflict that could cause community divide. She was a Bright Light who made everyone feel seen and appreciated. Her legacy will continue to motivate, inspire, and support all of our work as we move forward,” said PWN co-director Kieva Lei Cadena (she/her).

Cecilia was the director of policy at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) in New York until 2019, when she founded the consulting firm Trans Equity Consulting. She was also an amazing creative talent. She appeared as Ms. Orlando in the groundbreaking FX series POSE, about the LGBTQIA+ community’s ball culture set amidst the AIDS crisis in late 80s and early 90s New York City. She also wrote and starred in her off-Broadway one-woman-show, Red Ink. In 2022, she authored her memoir Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist, winner of the ALA Stonewall Book Award.

“Cecilia was such an inspiration and warm beacon of light, hope, and focus. Seriously fierce, a dedicated advocate pushing for progress on trans centered services and liberatory policies from her innovations at APICHA to her leadership of the policy department at GMHC. She was also a loving leader in our community. I will always remember her radiant smile, her fierce advocacy, her unmatched fashion sense, and her hugs,” said Naina Khanna (the/she).

Bre Rivera (she/they) shared, “Cecila would not want us to be consumed with grief. That was never who she was. Cecilia was love, joy, and light and helped many of us find comfort and liberation in this world!” 

Today and always, PWN USA honors and remembers Cecilia Gentili for her courageous leadership, her love for community, and her huge contributions to building a better world for all women.