The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York has expressed outrage over the funeral of famed trans activist Cecilia Gentili, which took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral on February 15. More than 1,000 people gathered to honor Gentili, who passed away on February 6 at the age of 52. The funeral service, described as "iconic" and "historic," saw mourners dressed in flamboyant attire, praying for the well-being of trans individuals in terms of healthcare and housing.

Following news reports and videos of the funeral circulating online, prominent Catholics and conservative groups responded critically. An official from St. Patrick's Cathedral stated that the service was deceptive and sacrilegious, leading to a mass of reparation being offered at the direction of Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Funeral organizers defended their decision to hold the service at the cathedral, citing Gentili's legacy as an advocate for marginalized communities.

Despite objections from the archdiocese, some worshippers at St. Patrick's Cathedral showed support for honoring Gentili. Michael Horlan, a visitor from Ireland, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, "Jesus welcomed everybody. He didn't say if you're one thing or another, you're outside the tent."

Gentili's family and organizers of the funeral pushed back against the archdiocese's response, labeling it as a "historic defiance" against the Church's discrimination. The family bestowed sainthood upon Gentili for her dedicated advocacy work and criticized the cathedral's claim of being a welcoming place for all.

The controversy surrounding the funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral underscores the ongoing dialogue around inclusivity and acceptance within religious institutions towards the LGBTQ+ community.