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ON February 6, 2024, news broke that trans-Latina activist Cecilia Gentili passed away at 52 years old.
Here’s everything we know about the life and death of the famous public figure.
Who was Cecilia Gentili?
Cecilia Gentili was a trans activist born on January 31, 1972, in Gálvez, Santa Fe, Argentina.
Gentili moved to New York City and made a living as a sex worker before working at The LGBT Center and later the Apica Community Health Center.
She then worked for HIV and AIDS nonprofit GMHC from 2016 until 2019.
Additionally, Gentili co-founded Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, a free clinic for sex workers.
In 2019, Gentili founded Transgender Equity Consulting which is an HIV/AIDS prevention and care organization.
With Transgender Equity Consulting, Gentili has partnered with an array of organizations including the AIDS Institute, and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
On February 6, 2024, it was revealed that Gentili passed away.
A tribute was posted on her Instagram saying: “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. We will be sharing more updates about services and what is to come in the following days.
“At this time, we’re asking for privacy, time, and space to grieve.”
When was DecrimNY founded?
In addition to the many organizations, Gentili has either worked for or co-launched, the respected activist co-founded DecrimNY.
DecrimNY focuses on decriminalizing, de-carcerating, and destigmatizing sex work.
The organization launched in 2019 making New York the first state to decriminalize sex work.
Gentili focused on promoting safety within the profession as well as helping to reduce coercion.
What roles did Cecilia Gentili star in?
In addition to Gentili’s long line of activism, the Argentina native had acting credits under her belt.
In 2016, Gentili starred in the TV series, The Trans Literacy Project.
Additionally, she appeared in the Emmy-wining series Pose as Miss Orlando.
Gentili performed a one-woman show called Red Ink which deputed in November 2023.
Before her death, the hit show which was set to make a comeback in April 2024.
