Andrea Gibson, a renowned poet and performance artist known for their exploration of gender identity, politics, and battle with terminal ovarian cancer, passed away at 49. The news of Gibson’s death was shared by their spouse, Megan Falley, on social media. The couple is the focus of the award-winning documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light,” which won the Festival Favourite Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is set to premiere on Apple TV+ in the fall.
Gibson passed away at their residence in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones, including their spouse, ex-partners, parents, friends, and pets. The documentary, directed by Ryan White, delves into the enduring love between Gibson and Falley amidst Gibson’s battle with cancer. The film features an original song co-written by Gibson, Sara Bareilles, and Brandi Carlile. Gibson expressed surprise at witnessing the documentary during a screening at Sundance and acknowledged not expecting to live long enough to see its completion.
Following Gibson’s passing, tributes poured in from friends, fans, and fellow poets who credited Gibson’s words with transforming and even saving lives. Many in the LGBTQ+ community expressed how Gibson’s poetry helped them embrace self-love, while individuals facing terminal illnesses found solace in Gibson’s perspective on death and love.
In a poignant poem titled “Love Letter from the Afterlife,” Gibson reflected on the concept of dying and emphasized the continuity of existence beyond physical life. The impact of Gibson’s poetry extended beyond the literary realm, as exemplified by Linda Williams Stay, who found solace in Gibson’s work when her son came out as transgender. Stay later found comfort in Gibson’s poetry during her own battle with cancer.
Originally from Maine, Gibson relocated to Colorado in the late 1990s and served as the state’s poet laureate for the past two years. Colorado Governor Jared Polis hailed Gibson’s unique ability to connect with poetry enthusiasts in the state. Gibson’s legacy includes several published works like “You Better Be Lightning,” “Take Me With You,” and “Lord of the Butterflies.”
Comedian Tig Notaro, a longtime friend and executive producer of the documentary, reminisced about Gibson’s early days as a performer in Colorado and the profound impact of their poetry on her life. The final days of Gibson’s life, though filled with pain, were described by Notaro as a profoundly beautiful experience marked by genuine human connections.
Gibson’s illness inspired a series of poems delving into themes of mortality, depression, and the afterlife. In one of their works, they contemplated the impact of memory on the afterlife, expressing a desire to remember their loved ones. Gibson’s profound reflections on life and death continue to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact on those who encountered their work.