Mama Gloria Cause of Death: Famous Trans Activist Found Dead Inside Apartment

By Alexandria Reeves

Famous Black transgender icon and activist, Mama Gloria -- whose real name is Gloria Allen -- has died. She was 76.

The trans community is mourning after the news about Mama Gloria's death surfaced. The saddening event was confirmed on the Instagram account for "Mama Gloria," a documentary that explored her life.

"Our beloved Mama G has passed on. We will miss you eternally, Gloria," the post says. "There are so many lessons to be found in your time on this Earth. Through your story, we have found new meaning in the word love. Rest peacefully in love and light, sweet Gloria. You are forever in the hearts of many."

It did not reveal Mama Gloria's cause of death. But NBS News noted that it is believed that she died peacefully in her sleep in her Chicago apartment.

Her documentary director, Luchina Fischer, affirmed it in a statement, saying that her apartment was located in an LGBTQ senior residence home.

Public Honors Mama Gloria

Following the publication of the news, the community and people closed to Mama Gloria's heart paid tribute to her.

Fischer exclusively told PEOPLE how amazing it was that the famous activist's last day on Earth was during Pride Month.

"She lived as an unapologetically proud Black transgender woman before Stonewall and before the word transgender even existed. And her 76 years on this Earth is proof that Black trans women can live long, meaningful and joyous lives when they have the love and support of their families, as Gloria did," the filmmaker went on.

Here’s a photo of us back in 2013. She was always asking me to stop by and lead an etiquette course for her group. Very sad news. pic.twitter.com/NydGzOWFZc
— Shar Jossell (@SharSaysSo) June 14, 2022

Fischer also expressed how grateful the team was to get the chance to tell Mama Gloria's life to the world through the documentary.

Mama Gloria famously boosted gay and transgender kids' confidence by creating a charm school for them. When she was still alive, she said that she made the project as she wanted to teach them to be proud.

Per Dallas Voice, she offered them lessons on love, manners, and makeup which she learned from her mother and grandmother. From there, she earned the nickname "Mama Gloria."