BY: Ari Night
Published 5 months ago
Andrea Faye Gibson, the award-winning poet and spoken-word performer, passed away on July 14, 2025. They died at their home in Longmont, Colo., at the young age of 49.
Gibson was known for raw, unforgettable performances that helped shape the modern spoken word scene. In addition, they were praised for the power their work created within queer and trans communities. Their work tackled the personal and political at once, turning their life experiences into something that felt both communal and healing.
They announced a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in August 2021, according to the New York Times. In May 2023, Gibson shared that the illness had become terminal.
They died at 4:16 a.m., surrounded by their wife, poet Megan Falley, close friends and family, according to a post shared on their Instagram account.
Born on Aug. 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, Gibson grew up in a conservative religious household and studied creative writing at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. After moving to Colorado, they started performing at open mic nights in Denver. They quickly became one of the most recognizable voices in performance poetry — especially within queer, activist, and chronically ill communities.
They wrote seven books, including “Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns,” “The Madness Vase,” “Pansy,” “Take Me With You,” “Lord of the Butterflies,” and “You Better Be Lightning.” Gibson also released several spoken word albums. Their work was known for being emotionally direct, accessible, and deeply human.
In 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis appointed Gibson as the state’s Poet Laureate — the first openly nonbinary person to hold the role. In the announcement, Polis called them “a powerful, courageous voice.” The position acknowledged both their impact as writer and their influence as public speakers and community advocates.
After their diagnosis, Gibson was open about what they were experiencing. They kept writing and stayed in touch with their audience, even as their health declined. In a 2023 Substack post, they wrote: “Knowing that I could die any day has given me more gratitude, awe, and joy than I thought possible.” That quote has been shared widely since their passing.
Gibson and their wife were also the subjects of “Come See Me in the Good Light,” a documentary directed by Ryan White and produced by Tig Notaro. The film follows Gibson through their final year and premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The project won the Festival Favorite Award and is set to be released on Apple TV+ in fall 2025.
After their death, poets, artists, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and fans posted tributes across social media. Many said Gibson’s words helped them survive hard moments, speak more honestly about who they are, or simply feel less alone.
Gibson is survived by their wife, Megan Falley, their parents, and their sister, Laura. Gibson’s work lives on in the people who will forever carry those words with them.
What does the work of poets like Andrea Gibson mean to you? Sound off in the comments and check out how LoveBScott is spotlighting queer poets and celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices.
