The celebration of the existence of Cecilia Gentili, a respected trans champion who passed away at 52 on the 6th of February, drew a crowd of over 1,000 individuals on the 15th of February. Gentili, a noticeable figure in the trans society of New York City, was honored with a ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, described by close friends and relatives as “mythical” and “memorable.”
Nevertheless, the Roman Catholic Church has shown displeasure regarding the choice to conduct Gentili’s ceremony at the Cathedral, given her advocacy for sex workers, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and migrants. Gentili, renowned for her appearance in the FX television series Pose, was believed by the organizers of the funeral to be the first trans individual to have a funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In a corresponding declaration, Reverend Enrique Salvo, the pastor of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, characterized the behavior witnessed at the funeral as “startling” and expressed appreciation to those who “reflect our outrage.” Subsequently, they performed a Mass of Reparation on the Saturday following Gentili’s funeral.
The statement further stated, “The Cathedral was solely informed about the request for a funeral Mass for a Catholic individual, with no hint that our welcome and prayers would be disrespected in such a sacrilegious and misleading manner.”
During the ceremony, attendees were dressed in red attire decorated with plumes, along with fishnet stockings and delicate veils, imploring God for the welfare of trans individuals, including access to health services and housing. A particular tribute that gained widespread attention hailed Gentili as the “Guardian Saint Cecilia, Protector of all sex workers.”
In retaliation, Gentili’s relatives conveyed that the ceremony “injected vitality and unconventional delight into the Cathedral, challenging the Church’s hypocrisy and anti-trans prejudice.” The family also commented, “The singular fallacy present at St. Patrick’s Cathedral is its claim of being an all-embracing space for everyone.”
Remarkably, Pope Francis has recently advocated for a more comprehensive Catholic Church, as illustrated by his most recent position on transgender individuals, confirming their eligibility for baptism and involvement as sponsors.
Image Source: Cecilia Gentili @ Instagram