Andrea Gibson death has sent waves of sorrow and reflection through the poetry and LGBTQ+ communities. On July 14, 2025, the celebrated Colorado Poet Laureate and spoken word artist passed away at the age of 49, following a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Gibson’s passing was announced by their wife, fellow poet Megan Falley, and quickly drew heartfelt tributes from fans, friends, and public figures alike.
The Life and Legacy of Andrea Gibson
Andrea Gibson’s influence on poetry and activism was profound. Born in Maine in 1975, Gibson moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1999, where their career as a performance poet flourished. Gibson was known for their powerful explorations of gender identity, mental health, and social justice, often addressing deeply personal and political themes in their work.
In 2023, Gibson was appointed as Colorado’s 10th Poet Laureate, a testament to their impact on the state’s literary landscape. Their poetry collections, including You Better Be Lightning, Take Me With You, and Lord of the Butterflies, reached thousands of readers and listeners worldwide.
Key Points Summary
- Andrea Gibson died on July 14, 2025, at age 49, after a battle with ovarian cancer.
- Gibson was Colorado’s Poet Laureate since 2023 and a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate.
- Their wife, Megan Falley, announced the death, and tributes poured in from across the globe.
- Gibson’s poetry and activism touched on gender, identity, illness, and love.
- The documentary Come See Me in the Good Light will premiere this fall, chronicling Gibson’s final years.
Andrea Gibson Death: Community Response and Tributes
The announcement of Andrea Gibson death was met with an outpouring of grief and gratitude. Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed deep condolences, calling Gibson “one of a kind” and praising their advocacy for arts in education. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes from poets, LGBTQ+ activists, and fans who credited Gibson’s work with saving lives and inspiring self-acceptance.
Gibson’s final days were spent at home in Boulder, surrounded by their wife Meg, four former partners, their parents, close friends, and beloved dogs. Their passing was marked by a sense of peace and fulfillment, as reflected in their last words: “I f*cking loved my life”.
Impact on Poetry and LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Andrea Gibson’s poetry broke barriers, making spoken word accessible to all and championing LGBTQ+ rights. As an openly non-binary artist, Gibson used they/them pronouns and often wrote about the complexities of gender and identity. Their work earned them the Women of the World Poetry Slam title in 2008 and multiple Independent Publishers Awards.
Gibson’s advocacy extended beyond poetry. They co-founded “STAY HERE WITH ME,” an online community supporting art and suicide prevention. Their openness about living with cancer and chronic illness inspired many to find hope and beauty in difficult circumstances.
Andrea Gibson Death in the Media and Upcoming Documentary
The story of Andrea Gibson death is also the subject of the upcoming documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, which won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and will premiere this fall on Apple TV+. The film, directed by Ryan White, follows Gibson and Falley as they navigate love, illness, and creativity in the face of terminal cancer. It features an original song co-written by Gibson, Sara Bareilles, and Brandi Carlile.
Table: Andrea Gibson’s Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Moved to Boulder, Colorado |
| 2008 | Won Women of the World Poetry Slam |
| 2021 | Diagnosed with ovarian cancer |
| 2023 | Named Colorado Poet Laureate |
| 2025 | Subject of Sundance-winning documentary |
The Enduring Power of Gibson’s Words
Andrea Gibson death marks the loss of a singular voice in contemporary poetry. Yet, their words and activism continue to resonate. In a poem written shortly before their passing, Gibson wrote: “I am more here than I ever was before. I am more with you than I ever could have imagined”. Their legacy lives on through their books, performances, and the countless lives they touched.
If you have memories or thoughts about Andrea Gibson, please share them below. Let’s continue to honor their spirit and keep their message of love and resilience alive.