Andrea Gibson, Renowned Poet and LGBTQ+ Activist, Dies at 49 After Battle with Cancer
Andrea Gibson was a revolutionary in the world of spoken-word poetry, activism, and queer advocacy. Born on August 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, Gibson moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1999, igniting a powerful poetic and personal journey
Gibson emerged as a powerhouse on the poetry slam circuit—coaching themselves to four Denver Grand Slam championships and winning the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2008In 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis appointed them the state’s 10th Poet Laureate, recognizing their unique ability to merge artistry with social justice
Prolific Works & Artistry
With authenticity and courage, Gibson crafted narratives that challenged notions of gender, identity, politics, and mental health. Their acclaimed books—Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns, The Madness Vase, Pansy, Take Me With You, Lord of the Butterflies, and You Better Be Lightning—reached countless readers and hearts
As a spoken-word artist, their albums like Yellowbird, Flower Boy, Truce, and Hey Galaxy extended their emotional reach. Beloved for raw performances and compassionate truth-telling, Gibson became an icon in contemporary poetry circles
A Journey of Illness & Grace
In August 2021, Gibson was diagnosed with a form of ovarian cancer, which altered the trajectory of their life and art Despite its aggressive nature, Gibson continued to write and perform, using their platform to explore mortality, trauma, and celebration of life.
In a 2023 interview with The Colorado Sun, they reflected on how facing cancer reaffirmed their purpose:
“Knowing that I could die any day saved my life.”
Their openness about undergoing radical hysterectomy and chemotherapy fostered connection and support through performance and message.
A Life Surrounded by Love
Andrea passed away peacefully in their Boulder home early Monday, July 14, 2025, at 4:16 AM, surrounded by their wife Megan Falley, four ex-girlfriends, parents, close friends, and their three beloved dogs
Megan Falley shared the news on social media, and Governor Jared Polis released a statement lamenting their loss and lauding Andrea as “a uniquely inspiring figure in poetry and education advocacy”
A feature-length documentary, Come See Me in the Good Light, chronicles Andrea and Megan’s journey through illness, love, and creativity. Having debuted at Sundance to acclaim, the film is set to premiere on Apple TV+ this fall
Legacy & Inspiration
Across the country, grief and gratitude are pouring in. Ariana Huffington praised Gibson’s “courageous journey with cancer” . At the Merc Cafe in Denver—a symbolic stage for Gibson’s early work—they expressed a wish for their ashes to be scattered there, acknowledging the place where their creativity was reborn
Gibson’s artistry and advocacy created a profound ripple: from LGBTQ rights to mental health, their voice spoke to the overlooked and oppressed. They also co-founded Stay Here With Me—a healing-support platform addressing art, mental health, and suicide prevention
Honoring Their Memory
To celebrate Andrea Gibson’s life, fans and followers are encouraged to:
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Read, perform, or share their poetry
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Support arts-in-education programs
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Donate to LGBTQ and cancer advocacy charities
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Consider streaming Come See Me in the Good Light this fall
Final Words
Andrea Gibson’s life, though cut short, was a beacon of courage, resilience, and artistic truth. They wrote and lived with a sense of wonder, bending sorrow into radical connection. As they once said:
“I fucking loved my life.”
Their legacy lives on in every soul uplifted by their words, every heart emboldened by their authenticity. They showed us that poetry is more than expression—it is the heartbeat of compassion.
May Andrea Gibson rest in peace. Their voice will echo through time, in hearts, on pages, and in the profound stillness of a life lived fully.