Andrea Gibson, Colorado’s Poet Laureate and a National Voice, Dies at 49

DENVER – Andrea Gibson, the trailblazing Colorado poet laureate whose raw, emotionally charged spoken word performances captivated audiences worldwide and provided a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community, died on Monday. They were 49.

The news was confirmed through their official social media channels, stating that Gibson died peacefully after a long and public battle with ovarian cancer. Their death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in contemporary American poetry, celebrated for their vulnerability, activism, and profound impact on the spoken word genre.

Gibson was a force on the performance poetry circuit for two decades, known for an electrifying stage presence that could hush a packed auditorium to a whisper or bring it to a roaring ovation. Their work unflinchingly explored themes of love, loss, gender identity, mental health, and social justice, resonating deeply with a generation seeking authenticity and connection.

A Trailblazing Voice in American Letters

Born in Calais, Maine, in 1975, Gibson moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1999 and quickly became a cornerstone of the local and national poetry slam scene. They were the first-ever winner of the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2008 and a four-time Denver Grand Slam champion.

In 2019, Governor Jared Polis appointed Gibson as Colorado’s poet laureate, a historic appointment that made them the first nonbinary person to hold such a title in any U.S. state. Gibson was reappointed for a second term in 2023, a testament to their deep connection with the state and its people.

In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Polis mourned their passing. “Andrea was a remarkable talent and a powerful, kind voice for the LGBTQ community and for all Coloradans,” he said. “Their words had the power to heal, to challenge, and to inspire. We have lost a true Colorado treasure, but their legacy will endure through the art they shared with us all.”

Gibson’s published works, including acclaimed collections like Lord of the Butterflies, Pansy, and The Maddest Kind of Love, brought their performance energy to the printed page, earning them a dedicated international following.

Confronting Illness Through Art

In 2021, Gibson was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. They chose to face their illness publicly, sharing their journey with an honesty that was characteristic of their life and work. This experience became the subject of their most recent major project, the documentary film “Come See Me in the Good Light.”

Co-directed with their wife, writer and artist Meggie Royer, the film provided an intimate look at Gibson’s life with cancer, their creative process, and their enduring love. The documentary was met with critical acclaim, winning a festival favorite award at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. For Gibson, art was not just a career but a vital tool for survival and understanding.

Their ability to transform personal struggle into universal art cemented their status as more than a poet; they were a chronicler of the human condition in all its messy, beautiful complexity.

A Lasting Legacy

Andrea Gibson’s influence extends far beyond their numerous awards and accolades. They fostered a community where vulnerability was seen as a strength and where marginalized voices were centered and celebrated. Through workshops and performances, they inspired countless young writers and artists to find and share their own truths.

Literary organizations and fellow artists have expressed their grief, remembering Gibson not only for their immense talent but also for their profound kindness and generosity. Their work challenged conventions of form and content, proving that poetry could be both a high art and a deeply accessible, populist medium.

Andrea Gibson is survived by their wife, Meggie Royer. Their passing leaves a significant void in the world of arts and letters, but their powerful words and unwavering spirit are certain to resonate for generations to come.