Remembering Andrea Gibson: A Legacy of Poetry and Courage

Andrea Gibson, a celebrated poet, spoken word artist, and activist, left an indelible mark on the world through their evocative poetry and fearless advocacy. Born on August 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, Gibson passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 49, after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Their death was announced by their wife, Megan Falley, who shared that Gibson passed in their Boulder, Colorado home, surrounded by loved ones, including their wife, four ex-girlfriends, parents, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs. This article reflects on Gibson’s life, their contributions to poetry and social justice, and the enduring legacy they leave behind.

A Life in Poetry

Andrea Gibson rose to prominence in the spoken word poetry scene after moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 1999. Inspired by an open mic night at Denver’s Mercury Cafe, they began performing and quickly became a standout voice. Gibson’s poetry tackled themes of gender identity, social justice, politics, mental health, and love, resonating deeply with diverse audiences, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

Their work was known for its raw honesty, accessibility, and emotional depth, making poetry approachable to those without academic backgrounds in literature. As Gibson noted in a 2023 interview with The Colorado Sun, “What I think the spoken word movement has done for poetry is that it created poems that you don’t need a Ph.D. to understand.”

Gibson’s accolades included being a four-time Denver Grand Slam Champion, placing third in the 2006 and 2007 Individual World Poetry Slam, and becoming the first winner of the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2008. In September 2023, they were appointed Colorado’s 10th Poet Laureate by Governor Jared Polis, a role in which they aimed to foster a love for poetry and advocate for social change.

Their books, including You Better Be Lightning (2021), Lord of the Butterflies (2018), The Madness Vase, and Pansy, published by Write Bloody Publishing, garnered critical acclaim, with You Better Be Lightning earning praise for its vulnerability and invitation to self-acceptance. They also released seven spoken word albums, such as Swarm, Truce, and Yellowbird, and edited We Will Be Shelter: Poems for Survival in 2019, focusing on social justice.

Advocacy and Impact

As a non-binary, queer individual, Gibson used they/them pronouns and explored gender identity in poems like “Swing Set” and “Andrew.” They described their gender as existing on a spectrum, stating, “I’ve never in my life really felt like a woman and I’ve certainly never felt like a man.”

Their poetry and activism intersected through performances at events like Take Back the Night, pride rallies, and anti-war protests, as well as their work with Vox Feminista, a group dedicated to challenging oppressive systems. In 2013, Gibson co-founded Stay Here With Me with Kelsey Gibb, a Tumblr-based platform offering support for mental health and suicide prevention, described as “an interactive, safe space offering collective support while encouraging individual healing.”

Gibson’s poetry touched countless lives, with fans crediting their words for fostering self-love and resilience. One fan on X wrote, “Andrea Gibson wrote words that impacted my life, my heart, and my very way of being many times over.” Another shared, “Andrea saved my life,” reflecting the profound connection Gibson forged with audiences, particularly those navigating queerness or terminal illness.

Their ability to personalize political issues, as noted by a fan in GO Magazine, helped readers and listeners feel connected and informed, influencing their perspectives and actions.

Battling Cancer and Finding Beauty

Gibson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2021, a journey that profoundly shaped their later work. They underwent a radical hysterectomy and chemotherapy, facing recurrences in 2022 and 2023. Despite the incurable diagnosis, Gibson approached their illness with courage, writing poems that transformed pain into art.

In their 2021 poem “How the Worst Day of My Life Became My Best,” they wrote, “When I realized the storm/was inevitable, I made it/my medicine.” In 2023, they penned “Love Letter From the Afterlife,” offering comfort to those grieving: “Dying is the opposite of leaving. When I left my body, I did not go away.”

Their cancer journey was documented in Come See Me in the Good Light, a film directed by Ryan White that won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The documentary, set to air on Apple TV+ in fall 2025, explored Gibson’s life, love with Megan Falley, and their resilience.

Gibson co-wrote an original song, Salt Then Sour Then Sweet, with Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile for the film. At Sundance in January 2025, Gibson shared that they hadn’t expected to live to see the film’s premiere, a moment that moved audiences to tears.

Recent Updates and Legacy

In August 2024, Gibson received a fellowship from the Academy of American Poets to develop an anthology of Colorado poet laureates, with proceeds supporting the future of the position. This project reflected their commitment to poetry’s accessibility and community impact. Despite their illness limiting in-person events, Gibson embraced virtual performances, noting their accessibility for those with disabilities or illnesses.

Tributes following Gibson’s death underscored their profound influence. Colorado Governor Jared Polis praised their “unique ability to connect with the vast and diverse poetry lovers of Colorado.” Arianna Huffington highlighted Gibson’s reflections on grace and clarity in a Meditative Story podcast episode.

Comedian Tig Notaro, a friend and executive producer of the documentary, described Gibson as a “rock star” whose words guided her life. On X, fans and poets like @karlajstrand shared interviews and memories, emphasizing Gibson’s lasting impact.

Conclusion

Andrea Gibson’s life was, as they wished, “covered in stretch marks” from a heart that loved fiercely and lived fully. Their poetry, performances, and activism bridged divides, offering hope and connection to those grappling with identity, illness, or injustice. As they wrote, “I fucking loved my life,” a sentiment echoed in their final days surrounded by love. Gibson’s legacy endures through their words, the communities they built, and the countless lives they touched, reminding us to find beauty in the hardest moments and to live with unapologetic authenticity.