Poet Andrea Gibson passes away

Andrea Gibson, an award-winning spoken word poet and author, has passed away at the age of 49 following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Gibson, who used they/them pronouns, was widely recognized for performances and writings that addressed topics such as gender, mental health, illness, and LGBTQ+ identity.

They published several poetry collections, including Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns, Take Me With You, and Lord of the Butterflies, and were a prominent figure in the slam poetry community since the early 2000s.

In 2024, Gibson was the subject of the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, which chronicled their life and final year. The film explored Gibson’s experience with illness and their role within a close-knit creative and activist community.

Throughout their career, Gibson performed internationally, built a strong following on social media, and frequently shared messages about mental health and personal reflection. In recent years, they spoke openly about their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

News of Gibson’s passing has prompted messages of remembrance and appreciation from readers, artists, and organizations.