Many of the 1,000 attendees wore drag and revealing clothing. At the foot of the altar was an image of Gentili, born in Argentina, with a halo, surrounded by the Spanish words “prostitute,” “transvestite,” “blessed” and “mother.”
Trans activist Óscar Díaz told Time that it “felt appropriate” to send off Gentili with a funeral service at St. Patrick’s Day, describing the event as an act to grant “sanctity” to a transgender activist.
The service for Gentili was marked by several moments that were unusual for a Catholic funeral and have raised concerns about irreverence and sacrilege.
For example, during the liturgy, attendees cheered, clapped, and shouted “Cecilia!” and “mother of bitches.”