Who Was Andrea Gibson?
Andrea Gibson was a trailblazing American poet, spoken word artist, and LGBTQ+ activist renowned for their fearless exploration of gender, identity, mental health, and social justice through poetry. Born on August 13, 1975, in Maine, Gibson later moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1999, where they became a prominent voice in the poetry slam scene.
Gibson’s body of work includes seven poetry collections and several spoken word albums. With raw honesty and emotional depth, Gibson addressed complex themes, making poetry accessible to audiences worldwide.
In 2023, Gibson was named Colorado’s Poet Laureate, a testament to their enduring influence and literary contributions. As one of the first openly non-binary poets to gain international recognition, Gibson became a beacon in the queer community, using their voice to foster unity, empathy, and self-acceptance.
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How Did Andrea Gibson Die?
Andrea Gibson passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 49, following a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Gibson’s final days were spent at their home in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by their wife, Meg Falley, family, and close friends.
The announcement of Gibson's passing was shared on social media and honored by a flood of tributes from poets, readers, and fans worldwide. Gibson faced their illness with remarkable transparency and grace, often chronicling their journey through poetry, public talks, and documentary film.
Andrea Gibson’s Battle With Ovarian Cancer
Gibson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2021. After aggressive treatment, including a radical hysterectomy and chemotherapy, Gibson’s cancer recurred in 2022. Throughout this journey, they openly shared experiences of treatment and recovery, blending vulnerability and advocacy in both poetry and activism.
Gibson’s health struggles also included chronic Lyme disease, which further shaped their perspective on mortality and love. The story of Gibson and Falley's journey was documented in “Come See Me in the Good Light,” an award-winning documentary following their lives and Gibson’s illness, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025.
What Happened to Andrea Gibson?
Andrea Gibson passed away on July 14, 2025, in their Boulder, Colorado home, surrounded by loved ones, after battling ovarian cancer since 2021. The cancer, diagnosed as aggressive, recurred in 2022, leading to intensive treatments, including a radical hysterectomy and chemotherapy.
Despite their illness, Gibson continued to create, release poetry, and star in Come See Me in the Good Light. Their openness about their journey inspired fans, with many crediting their work for helping them face terminal illnesses.
Andrea Gibson’s Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Andrea Gibson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2021, a disease that originates in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. Often called a “silent killer,” ovarian cancer’s symptoms—bloating, pelvic pain, fatigue—are subtle, leading to late diagnoses.
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the ovary, one of the female reproductive glands that produces eggs and hormones. Most ovarian cancers arise from the cells covering the ovary (epithelial cells). The disease is often called a “silent killer” because early symptoms are vague or nonexistent.
As cancer grows, symptoms may include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, digestive issues, and loss of appetite. Risk factors include age, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), family history, infertility, hormone therapy after menopause, and obesity. Ovarian cancer is primarily treated with surgery and chemotherapy, but it can be challenging to detect and treat effectively, contributing to its high mortality rate.
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Andrea Gibson’s Wife
Megan Falley became Andrea Gibson’s wife in the final years of Gibson’s life. The couple announced their engagement in 2022 and married before Gibson’s passing in July 2025. Their relationship was a partnership both in life and art, with Falley herself being an accomplished poet.
Together, they co-authored works and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, using their platform to encourage healing and connection. Falley was by Gibson’s side during their final moments, offering love and companionship amidst Gibson’s battle with ovarian cancer. Their marriage was a culmination of years of devotion, teamwork, and creative synergy.
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Image Credit: Andrea Gibson(Twitter), Boulder Arts+Culture (Twitter)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Andrea Gibson die?
Andrea Gibson died of ovarian cancer on July 14, 2025, at age 49, at home in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones.
Who was Andrea Gibson married to?
Gibson was married to poet Megan Falley, with whom they shared a long-term relationship and creative partnership.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, often with few noticeable symptoms early on, making it difficult to diagnose in its initial stages.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and commemorative purposes only. It is based on publicly available sources and social media statements as of July 2025. While efforts were made to ensure accuracy, evolving news, personal privacy, or additional details from close individuals may not be reflected.
