A Community Tribute to Andrea Gibson at Huxley & Hiro

Presented by Huxley & Hiro and Delaware Sexuality & Gender Collective

Join us for a special evening honoring the life and legacy of the beloved Andrea Gibson. A poet, activist, and truth-teller, their words have moved hearts and sparked change around the world.

Together, we’ll celebrate Andrea’s powerful body of work through community-led readings, shared reflections, and an open space for storytelling. Attendees are invited to bring a favorite poem, share a personal connection to Andrea’s writing, or simply listen and be part of the tribute.

This gathering is both a celebration and a call to action. Let's continue the work Andrea championed: justice, love, vulnerability, and courage.

Important Notice for Speakers

To ensure a thoughtful and inclusive experience for all, only those who have pre-registered as Speaker Participants will be guaranteed a speaking slot. If time allows, additional spots may open during the event, but we cannot guarantee availability.

By signing up to speak, you agree to follow our Community Code of Conduct, which includes:

– Sharing content that is appropriate for all ages

– Avoiding graphic descriptions of violence, abuse, or trauma

– Respecting the diverse experiences and identities of everyone in attendance

We thank you for helping us create a space rooted in compassion, care, and respect for Andrea’s legacy.

About Andrea:

Andrea Gibson (1975–2025) was a celebrated spoken-word poet and activist whose work profoundly shaped contemporary poetry and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Born on August 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, Gibson gained national recognition for their raw, lyrical performances that explored themes of gender identity, love, mental health, and social justice.

Over the course of their career, Gibson authored seven poetry collections and released seven albums. Their acclaimed books include You Better Be Lightning (Button Poetry, 2021), Lord of the Butterflies (Button Poetry, 2018), Take Me With You (Penguin, 2018), Pansy (Write Bloody Publishing, 2015), The Madness Vase (Write Bloody Publishing, 2011), and Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns (Write Bloody Publishing, 2010). They also coauthored How Poetry Can Change Your Heart (Chronicle Books, 2019) with Megan Falley and edited the social justice-focused anthology We Will Be Shelter: Poems for Survival (Write Bloody Publishing, 2014).

In 2008, Gibson won the first Women of the World Poetry Slam. Their work earned them two Independent Publisher Book Awards (2019 and 2021) and three finalist honors in the Goodreads Choice Awards. In recognition of their contributions to poetry and activism, Gibson was named Colorado's poet laureate in 2023 and received an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship in 2024.

A master of spoken word, Gibson cultivated a devoted following with their intensely personal and often political work, especially in their later years as they shared their four-year journey with terminal ovarian cancer. They died in July 2025 in Longmont, Colorado, at the age of 49. Gibson, who used they/them pronouns, leaves behind a powerful legacy of vulnerability, courage, and poetic brilliance that continues to inspire readers and listeners worldwide.

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

This event is free to attend!

We encourage attendees to consider making a purchase at the bookstore, which helps ensure we can continue offering free community events.

Host or Publisher Huxley & Hiro