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United States Andrea Gibson was an award-winning poet, author, and activist known for their stirring spoken word performances and insightful explorations of identity and social justice.
Featured in an article how they turned tenderness into a queer poet and activist. They explored identity, mental health, politics and their battle with terminal cancer.
Andrea Gibson served as Colorado's Poet Laureate, performing virtual poetry readings and workshops.
Joined by magnificent spoken word poet, Andrea Gibson, in a conversation about what it is to write from a place of vulnerability, bravery and truth.
Featured in an article about how their poetry about queerness and mortality taught thousands of people how to reject apathy and embrace life.
Maintained a widely-followed official Facebook page, engaging with a large audience and sharing their work.
A poem by Andrea Gibson, 'Wellness Check,' was shared on a favorite Instagram account, 'Poetry Is Not A Luxury,' generating engagement.
Featured in an interview with Matthew Rodrigues about Andrea's terminal cancer and their marriage to Megan Falley.
Featured in an article detailing their perspective on cancer, titled 'Andrea Gibson Refused to 'Battle' Cancer,' after their ovarian cancer was deemed incurable.
Regularly performed and featured on Button Poetry's platform, including viral performances like 'Every Time I Ever Said I Want to Die.'
Performed 'Maybe I Need You' at a Sofar NYC event, captured in a widely viewed video.
Submitted an entry for the NPR Tiny Desk Contest 2023 with the poem 'MAGA HAT IN THE CHEMO ROOM.'
The documentary 'Come See Me in the Good Light,' focusing on Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley's story, is scheduled to air on Apple TV+.
Andrea Faye Gibson, born on August 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, was an American poet and activist. Growing up in a religiously conservative household, Gibson attended Saint Joseph’s College of Maine on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1997 with an English degree. Their journey into spoken word poetry began after attending an open mic event in Denver. In 2005, Gibson transitioned from a Montessori teacher to a full-time poet, a profession where they gained significant recognition.
Gibson’s poetry addressed gender norms, politics, social justice, and LGBTQ+ topics. Following a cancer diagnosis, their work expanded to include themes of depression, illness, life, and mortality. Over their career, Gibson published seven poetry books, including “Pole Dancing To Gospel Hymns” (2008), “The Madness Vase” (2012), “Pansy” (2015), “Take Me with You” (2018), “Lord of the Butterflies” (2018), “How Poetry Can Change Your Heart” (2019) with Megan Falley, and “You Better Be Lightning” (2021). They also released seven albums, such as “Yellowbird” (2009) and “Hey, Galaxy” (2018). Their influence contributed to a resurgence in spoken word poetry’s popularity in the mid-2000s, often performing at Button Poetry.
Beyond their poetic work, Gibson was an active participant in various activist groups, performing at Take Back the Night events and collaborating with Vox Feminista, a performance tribe focused on social change. In 2019, they worked with Sarah Megyesy and Ani DiFranco on a video for the poem “America, Reloading,” addressing gun violence. Gibson advocated for the Power to the Patients movement, which pressures hospitals to publish prices online. In September 2023, Gibson was appointed Colorado’s Poet Laureate. They passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 49, from ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy of powerful words and advocacy.
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