Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson Dies at 49 After Cancer Battle

Andrea Gibson, a celebrated queer poet and Colorado Poet Laureate since 2023, died at 49 after a battle with ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2021. Known for powerful poetry exploring gender identity, social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues, Gibson published seven books and released seven albums of poems during their career. They were the subject of the award-winning 2025 Sundance documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light," which chronicled their cancer journey alongside their wife, Megan Falley. Gibson's work and advocacy earned them multiple awards, including the Independent Publishers Award and recognition from the Colorado Governor Jared Polis for their inspiring poetry and support for arts in education. They passed away at their Boulder home surrounded by loved ones, embodying a spirit of joy and resilience until the end. Their legacy includes a profound impact on poetry and activism within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.