| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrea Gibson |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1975 |
| Place of Birth | Maine, USA |
| Date of De@th | July 14, 2025 |
| Age | 49 |
| Place of De@th | Boulder, Colorado |
| Occupation | Poet, Spoken Word Artist |
| Spouse | Megan Falley |
| Notable Works | You Better Be Lightning, Take Me With You, Lord of the Butterflies |
| Known For | LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Poetry on Illness & Identity |
| Awards | Colorado Poet Laureate, Sundance Festival Favorite (2025 Documentary) |
A Life Written in Lightning: Remembering Andrea Gibson
Andrea Gibson was not just a poet. They were a lifeline for countless individuals navigating identity, illness, and hope through the raw, unapologetic power of words. On July 14, 2025, Andrea passed away at their Boulder, Colorado home at the age of 49. Their de@th marked the end of a fierce four-year battle with ovarian cancer—a journey deeply documented in the 2025 Sundance award-winning film Come See Me in the Good Light by director Ryan White.
Born in Maine on August 13, 1975, Andrea moved to Colorado in the late 1990s. Over the years, they transformed from a regional spoken-word performer into a nationally recognized poet and activist whose voice resonated with the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Their deeply personal poetry made them a beacon of vulnerability, resilience, and advocacy.
An End Surrounded by Love
Andrea’s passing was far from solitary. According to an emotional Instagram post shared by their wife Megan Falley and close friend Stef Willen, Andrea was surrounded by profound love in their final moments. At their side were Megan, their parents, four ex-girlfriends, dozens of friends, and three cherished dogs. That scene, filled with raw connection and intimacy, is perhaps the most poetic ending one could imagine for a soul who dedicated their life to exploring human connection.
Tributes from Across the Globe
Following Andrea’s passing, tributes poured in from all corners of the artistic world. Colorado Governor Jared Polis honored them as “truly one of a kind,” praising their ability to connect with the hearts of an incredibly diverse audience.
Comedian Tig Notaro, a producer of the documentary chronicling Gibson’s journey, shared a heartfelt tribute: “The final days of Andrea’s life were painful to witness, but simultaneously beautiful. The connection, the humanity—it gave us something words can’t quite explain.”
Actress Ariana DeBose also commemorated Gibson, sharing the phrase, “Rest in power beautiful human,” on her Instagram story—words that echo across the community left behind.
Poetry That Will Live Forever
Andrea’s poetry explored themes often considered too delicate or painful for casual conversation: mortality, love, gender identity, and grief. And yet, they made those topics digestible, even healing.
In one of their final reflections on life and death, they wrote:
“Will the afterlife be harder if I remember/the people I love, or forget them? Either way, please let me remember.”
This quote captures the essence of Andrea Gibson—someone who chose to love and remember, even when it hurt.
Their acclaimed works such as You Better Be Lightning, Lord of the Butterflies, and Take Me With You are filled with stanzas that hit like thunder and heal like sunlight.
Their Role as Colorado’s Poet Laureate
Gibson served as Colorado’s Poet Laureate in their final two years. Their tenure was marked by inclusivity, accessibility, and the use of poetry as a tool for healing. Public events, workshops, and intimate performances defined their time in this honorary role. In a politically divided world, they united audiences under a banner of truth and vulnerability.
“Come See Me in the Good Light” – A Legacy on Film
The documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, directed by Ryan White and produced by Tig Notaro, offers a breathtaking window into Andrea’s final years. The film won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is slated to premiere on Apple TV+ this fall.
It captures not just the struggle of living with a terminal illness, but also the light Gibson found—and shared—with others until their last breath.
FAQs about Andrea Gibson
Q: What was Andrea Gibson known for?
A: Andrea Gibson was known for their spoken word poetry focusing on LGBTQ+ issues, identity, illness, and love.
Q: How old was Andrea Gibson at the time of de@th?
A: They were 49 years old.
Q: What is the name of the documentary about their life?
A: Come See Me in the Good Light.
Q: Who is Megan Falley?
A: Megan Falley is Andrea Gibson’s wife and a fellow poet. She was featured in the documentary and present at Andrea’s passing.
Q: What were Andrea Gibson’s most famous books?
A: You Better Be Lightning, Take Me With You, and Lord of the Butterflies.
Conclusion
Andrea Gibson leaves behind more than poems—they leave a movement, a mirror, and a memory for all who found solace in their words. They faced life and death with honesty and grace, surrounded by a community that truly understood the value of connection. As their words continue to inspire generations, one thing is clear—Andrea Gibson may be gone, but their voice is eternal.
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