TDOV: The Life and Legacy of Cecilia Gentili, A Conversation with Victoria Von Blaque

To celebrate Trans Day of Visibility join SBB, GSA, and the office of DEIB in the Multicultural Center (UC 301) for an evening remembering the life of Cecilia Gentili. An Argentine-American advocate for transgender people, sex workers and immigrants, Cecilia was affectionately known as “Mother” by many in the trans community because of her dedication to helping anyone in need. She was a fierce advocate for collective liberation and an incredible friend to many. Cecilia was also an artist and actor in the FX series Pose. Cecilia was planning to speak at Adelphi this March for TDOV but passed away suddenly in February. Cecilia’s funeral made history as thousands of trans people filled St.Patrick’s Cathedral to pay their respects. Cecilia’s former coworker and close friend Victoria Von Blaque will share about Cecilia’s legacy and their own advocacy work.

Victoria Von Blaque is a non-binary, trans feminine individual who has made significant contributions in various fields. They challenged Eurocentric beauty standards and broke barriers as the first BBW trans porn star on the internet. Victoria founded Femme Fatale, LLC, a company that ventured into various aspects of adult entertainment.

In 2014, Victoria shifted their focus to work for a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting LGBTQ youth from housing instability and empowering them to live independently. As a highly sought-after speaker, they have delivered impactful talks at esteemed institutions and provided training to organizations working with marginalized communities.

Victoria has graced the stages of prestigious conferences and summits, delivering captivating keynote speeches on topics such as DEI, healthcare, sex work, and LGBTQ competency. Their talks inspire individuals to embrace diversity and create inclusive environments.

As a valuable resource and advocate for the TGNB community, Victoria draws from their unique life experiences as a trans femme, cultural enterprise consultant, and survivor of discrimination. Their engaging approach creates moments of vulnerability and shared understanding, making them an effective catalyst for change.