Originally from Argentina, Cecilia Gentili came to the U.S. pursuing a safer life as a transgender woman. She lived undocumented for 10 years. After surviving arrests and an immigration detention, she accessed recovery services and won asylum. Cecilia founded Transgender Equity Consulting, which works to ensure all people living on the margins receive dignity and respect. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Cecilia talk about growing up on the margins, emigrating to the United States, and how to love and forgive people who struggle to offer dignity or understanding in return.  

Cecilia Gentili passed away on Feb. 6, 2024. She was 52 years old.

Episode Sponsor:

The Word Is Change – A neighborhood bookstore in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, selling used and new books, hosting readings and meetings, buying books for resale, and supporting visual artists. Come into the store and find the perfect book you were looking for, or the perfect book you didn’t even know you were looking for. And shop online at thewordischange.com.

Titles Discussed in this Episode:

FALTAS, by Cecilia Gentili

Here are links to some of Cecilia’s favorite songs:

Isabel Pantoja singing “Abrásame Muy Fuerte,” (or Hug Me Really Hard.

Gilda singing “No me Arrepiento de este Amor,” (or I Don't Regret This Love). 

Laura Branigan singing “Gloria.” 

Here’s a clip from Cecilia Gentili appearing as Ms. Orlando in POSE.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices