Pose star Cecilia Gentili has died at the age of 52.
The actress and transgender activist died on Tuesday morning, although no cause of death has yet been announced.
A statement on her Instagram page reads: ‘Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue to watch over us in spirit.
“Please be kind to one another and love one another with ferocity.
‘We will share more updates on services and what’s to come in the coming days.
Pose star Cecilia Gentili has died at the age of 52 – no cause of death has been revealed
“At this time we ask for privacy, time and space to grieve.”
Gentili was a well-known advocate for the rights of transgender people and sex workers around the world.
And GLAAD, the LGBTQIA advocacy group, has already taken to social media to praise the actress.
GLAAD said on Instagram: “We are devastated to hear about the death of Cecilia Gentili.
“Cecilia was a pillar in the trans community, a dedicated advocate, a standout actress on the hit TV show ‘Pose,’ an incredible journalist and a sex worker.”
The organization also noted that Gentili — who was born in Argentina but subsequently moved to New York City — sought to create “visibility and acceptance” for the LGBTQIA community.
The statement read: ‘In the anthology Surviving Transphobia, Cecilia wrote about growing up under the dictatorship in Argentina, about being inspired by American films to be her authentic self. She has infused that passion for visibility and acceptance into her life and many others.’
Gentili played the role of Miss Orlando, a woman who offered discounted plastic surgery to trans women, in the first season of “Pose.”
The actress also won the American Library Association’s 2023 Stonewall Book Award for her memoir “Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist.”
Several other Pose actors paid their respects to Cecilia after her death was announced.
Angelica Ross wrote, “I’m so glad I saw a video of her recent birthday party and that she was surrounded by so much love and community. Such a fierce advocate. Rest in power.’
MJ Rodriguez added, “Rest in power Cecilia,” while Hailie Sahar wrote, “Rest in peace beautiful. Your talent was unparalleled and your humanity shone brightly.”