Andrea Gibson, a revered spoken word poet, activist, and powerful voice in the LGBTQ+ community, has passed away at the age of 49 after a years-long battle with ovarian cancer. Known for their soul-stirring performances and unapologetically honest writing, Gibson’s death marks the loss of a singular voice in contemporary poetry—one who reshaped how we talk about gender, identity, illness, and the power of vulnerability.
Gibson, who used they/them pronouns, first emerged in the early 2000s slam poetry scene with a raw, emotionally charged style that won them accolades and legions of fans. Over the years, their work—featured in collections like Take Me With You, Lord of the Butterflies, and You Better Be Lightning—challenged societal norms while offering solace and solidarity to those navigating life’s most painful corners.
Their death was announced by their wife, poet Megan Falley, who shared that Gibson passed peacefully at home in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones—including close friends, family, former partners, and their three dogs. The intimate goodbye reflected the deep human connections Gibson spent their life building.
Much of the public’s final glimpse into Gibson’s life came through the deeply moving documentary Come See Me in the Good Light. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is set to release on Apple TV+, chronicles Gibson’s final year with remarkable openness. Directed by Ryan White, the documentary features a hauntingly beautiful original song co-written by Gibson, Brandi Carlile, and Sara Bareilles.
Though their physical body has left, Gibson's words continue to echo in the hearts of those who found courage and clarity through their poetry. From Colorado Governor Jared Polis to everyday readers touched by their work, tributes have poured in across social media. LGBTQ+ individuals, in particular, credit Gibson for helping them embrace their identities and find strength in their struggles.
In a poem written shortly before their death, Love Letter from the Afterlife, Gibson wrote:
“Dying is the opposite of leaving... I am more here than I ever was before.”
That line now resonates as both a farewell and a promise.
From their tenure as Colorado’s poet laureate to electrifying performances around the world, Andrea Gibson wasn’t just a poet—they were a lifeline. A truth-teller. A reminder that art has the power to heal, to connect, and to live on long after the final stanza.
Gibson may be gone, but their voice—bold, tender, and fiercely alive—remains more present than ever.
