The burial of a well-known advocate for transgender rights at a cathedral in New York sparked criticism from a high-ranking church leader. The official labeled the service a disgrace within one of the most prominent Catholic places of worship in the United States.

The funeral of Cecilia Gentili, held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, drew a significant crowd on Thursday and was denounced by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.

Gentili was recognized as a prominent supporter of transgender individuals, as well as those in the sex work industry and those living with HIV. A statement on her Instagram profile revealed her passing on February 6 at the age of 52.

On Saturday, Reverend Enrique Salvo, the pastor of Saint Patrick’s, expressed his gratitude to those who notified the church about their shared outrage towards the unacceptable conduct at the funeral.

Salvo stated that the Cathedral was unaware that a funeral Mass for a Catholic was being requested by family and friends. However, they were disappointed to discover that their hospitality and prayers were being disrespected through sacrilegious and deceitful actions.

Salvo stated that Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, directed the cathedral to hold a Mass of Reparation after the funeral.

The fact that a scandal happened at “America’s Parish Church” is even more upsetting. The timing, during the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fighting against sin and darkness, serves as a strong reminder of our need for prayer, reparation, repentance, grace, and mercy, which are all encouraged during this holy season.

After working as a sex worker and facing addiction, this individual was incarcerated at Rikers Island. However, they later transitioned and took on roles as a transgender health program coordinator and a policy director for a well-known organization focused on gay men’s health, GMHC. They also worked as a lobbyist to promote health equality and anti-discrimination laws.

Gentili established the COIN Clinic, also known as Cecilia’s Occupational Inclusion Network, which offers a complimentary healthcare program for individuals in the sex industry. This program is operated through the Callen-Lorde community health organization located in New York.

“New York’s LGBTQ+ community mourns the loss of a leader and role model, Cecilia Gentili,” stated Governor Kathy Hochul on X (formerly known as Twitter) after Gentili passed away.

Gentili starred in the FX show “Pose,” which follows the underground ballroom dance culture of the 1980s and 1990s. She also put on two solo stage performances.

In her autobiographical show “Red Ink,” Gentili shared that she is an atheist, yet she often finds herself seeking help from God. She covers various topics in the show, such as her upbringing in Argentina and her absence of religious belief.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, an iconic building and popular tourist destination in Manhattan, has hosted memorial services for many notable residents of New York City, such as Senator Robert F. Kennedy, baseball legend Babe Ruth, and first responders who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Videos from the funeral service for Gentili reveal a crowd of over 1,000 attendees, consisting of transgender individuals and other allies, chanting her name, applauding, singing, and honoring her as a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

Father Edward Dougherty, who led the mass, remarked that aside from Easter Sunday, we rarely see such a well-dressed congregation.

CatholicVote criticized actor Billy Porter of the show “Pose” for his singing performance at a funeral, which they deemed as a disrespectful portrayal of the “Our Father” prayer. The group expressed their disapproval on X, calling it “unbelievable and sick.”

Prior to the song, Porter praised Gentili as a prominent figure within a community that greatly impacted his life.

“Grieving is a personal experience and there is no one correct way to do it. It’s important to acknowledge your own process and allow yourself to grieve in order to reach a place of healing, almost like finding grace.” – Porter