The literary world and countless hearts around the globe are mourning the loss of Andrea Gibson, the beloved poet and performance artist, who passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 49. Gibson, who used they/them pronouns, died at their home, surrounded by a profound circle of loved ones, after a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Their passing leaves an indelible void, but their powerful poetic legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come.
Born in Maine in 1975, Andrea Gibson became a celebrated voice known for unflinchingly exploring themes of gender identity, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, social justice, and the raw complexities of life and mortality. Their work was characterized by an extraordinary blend of vulnerability, honesty, and fierce tenderness, delivered with a spoken-word artistry that captivated audiences worldwide.
Gibson's poetic journey began to truly flourish after moving to Boulder, Colorado, in the late 1990s. They quickly rose through the ranks of the spoken word scene, becoming a four-time Denver Grand Slam champion and, in 2008, the first person to win the Women of the World Poetry Slam. Their published collections, including "Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns," "The Madness Vase," "Lord of the Butterflies," and "You Better Be Lightning," became touchstones for countless individuals seeking solace, understanding, and affirmation.
The impact of Andrea Gibson's poetry is immeasurable. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, their words provided a vital lifeline, helping them to navigate their identities, find self-acceptance, and feel seen in a world that often struggles to understand. Gibson's open and honest portrayal of being non-binary and their experiences with queerness broke down barriers and paved the way for others to embrace their authentic selves. Their powerful critiques of societal norms and their unwavering advocacy for human rights were woven seamlessly into their verse, making their poetry a potent tool for social change.
Beyond specific communities, Gibson's work spoke to the universal human experience of love, loss, grief, and the search for meaning. They tackled difficult topics like depression, chronic illness (including their own journey with ovarian cancer and Chronic Lyme Disease), and heartbreak with a raw honesty that resonated deeply. Yet, even in the darkest corners of human experience, Gibson always found a way to infuse their poems with hope, resilience, and a profound appreciation for the beauty of being alive. As they wrote in their final poem, "Love Letter from the Afterlife," "Dying is the opposite of leaving. When I left my body, I did not go away. That portal of light was not a portal to elsewhere, but a portal to here. I am more here than I ever was before."
In 2023, Governor Jared Polis appointed Andrea Gibson as Colorado's Poet Laureate, a testament to their profound influence on the literary community and their unique ability to connect with diverse audiences. This honor, accepted despite their ongoing health challenges, further solidified their commitment to advocating for poetry, literacy, and literature.
Gibson's final years were chronicled in the 2025 documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light," which captured their journey with cancer and their enduring spirit alongside their wife, Megan Falley. The film, which won the Festival Favorite award at Sundance, serves as a poignant reminder of their remarkable strength and their unwavering commitment to finding joy even in the hardest hours.
Andrea Gibson's passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of their family, friends, and legions of fans. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with many sharing how Gibson's words had not only changed their lives but, in some cases, saved them. Their ability to articulate the unarticulated, to make the personal universal, and to imbue every word with authentic emotion made them a truly singular voice.
As the world remembers Andrea Gibson, it is clear that their spirit and their immense presence will continue to be felt. Their legacy will endure through their timeless poetry, their powerful performances, and the countless lives they touched with their tender, brave, and electrifying words. Though their physical presence is gone, Andrea Gibson's voice will live on, a beacon of light for all who seek to find themselves, heal, and connect in a world that so desperately needs their unique brand of truth and empathy.