Honoring Cecilia's legacy
Cecilia Gentili gives remarks at Stonewall Community Foundation's 2023 Vision Awards at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on June 15, 2023. Photo by Leandro Justen
"Cecilia Gentili was not only a trailblazer, but a guiding light for those fighting for equity and equality. Her advocacy for transgender rights and sex worker rights reshaped our understanding of justice and inclusivity.”
— Stonewall board member Tabytha Gonzalez
All of us here at Stonewall Community Foundation are still grieving the loss of our board member, mentor, and friend, Cecilia Gentili, who passed away in February of this year. Cecilia was a pillar in New York’s advocacy community, having played an instrumental role in everything from community outreach and engagement to lobbying and cultural competency training. Her legacy includes organizing TRANSMISSION, New York’s first music festival with an all-trans lineup; successfully overturning anti-trans and anti-sex worker policies like the “walking while trans” ban; mentoring a new generation of queer and trans activists and advocates; and so much more.
Our grantmaking this past spring and summer was guided by Cecilia’s memory and legacy, as we made discretionary grants to organizations Cecilia worked with and loved. Take a look at a sampling of these incredible organizations below:
Colectivo Intercultural TRANSgrediendo is an organization that works to promote and defend human rights and access to comprehensive health care for TransGNB, QBIPOC and Sex Workers. CITG was founded by Cecilia’s friend and mentor Lorena Borjas, and is led by her friend and mentee Liaam Winslet.
Gender Liberation March is a movement for trans rights, reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and democracy. Taking to the streets of DC next month, the march is driven by the organizers of the the historic Brooklyn Liberation March, with whom Cecilia worked and mentored.
Founded and led by Cecilia’s close friend Ceyenne Doroshow, GLITS is a Black trans-led advocacy and direct services organization that is dedicated to fighting systemic discrimination against marginalized communities in New York City and beyond.
Cecilia was a proud board member of Queer Art, an organization co-led by her dear friend and mentee Rio Sofia, whose mission is to create a diverse and vibrant community through the support of LGBTQ+ art and artists across generations and disciplines.
Translatinx Network is led by Cecilia’s friend and collaborator Cristina Herrera, and provides case management, legal support, health services, and food and clothing to NYC’s trans immigrant community.
As our board member Tabytha Gonzalez said in her beautiful tribute to Cecilia at this year’s Vision Awards, “Let us honor her legacy by continuing the fight for a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.” Cecilia, we promise to continue the fight. We’re not stopping any time soon.