On Monday, authorities pressed charges against two individuals for their alleged involvement in distributing the heroin and fentanyl that led to the tragic demise of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili.
Cecilia Gentili, aged 52, lost her life on February 6 in her New York City residence as a result of a fatal overdose of fentanyl-laced heroin, as confirmed by an autopsy conducted by United States Attorney Breon Peace.
Antonio Venti allegedly sold the drugs to Gentili on Feb. 5. Michael Kuilan, who allegedly supplied the drugs, has also been charged in connection with the incident.
Born in Argentina, this immigrant was widely recognized for their tireless activism in support of various marginalized communities. They dedicated their efforts towards advocating for the rights of immigrants, the transgender community, sex workers, and those living with HIV.
Celebrities like Billy Porter and Indya Moore paid their respects at her funeral, while notable trans activists, such as Ceyenne Doroshow, Liaam Winslet, and Gentili’s partner, Peter Scotto, also delivered heartfelt speeches.
Scotto expressed his deep admiration for her by saying, “She was like an angel. Whenever there was an emergency, our phone would ring in the middle of the night, and she would immediately spring into action to assist those in need. She was always there, ready to answer that call. But to me, she was more than just a colleague. We would wake up every morning next to each other, sharing endless laughter and love. I will cherish those moments forever.”
The funeral took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan and stirred up a controversy among various Catholic leaders in the area, including the New York Archdiocese. They described the funeral as “sacrilegious and deceptive.”
“The Archdiocese expressed its disappointment in the way the Cathedral’s welcome and prayer were degraded in such a sacrilegious and deceptive manner. They were unaware of the true intentions behind the request for a funeral Mass for a Catholic, and it was disheartening for them to discover the deceptive nature of the situation.”
Gentili’s loved ones strongly condemned the criticism, emphasizing that inclusivity should be extended to everyone.
According to Oscar Diaz, the director of communications at Trans Equity Consulting, Cecilia’s remarkable work and the profound impact she had on numerous lives make her deserving of sainthood. The monumental funeral service held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and her role as a catalyst for various movements, such as those advocating for sex workers, immigrants, transgender individuals, and affirming healthcare, solidify her place in history. Diaz further adds that Cecilia’s wit, creativity, humor, and grace will be greatly missed by the generations she influenced and nurtured.
