Mira Bellwether, the author and creating behind the zine “Fucking Trans Women,” has died. She was 40 years old.
Bellwether, who’d been diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year, died on Dec. 25. Her partner, Callan Molinari, shared the news on her private Twitter account and in a message posted to Bellwether’s GoFundMe.
“This is an update I wish I wasn’t making; after a series of declines and escalations – a two week regular hospital stay leading to a week in the icu intubated on a ventilator and culminating in a massive incompatible-with-life stroke, Mira passed early sunday morning, December 25th,” Molinari wrote.
Bellwether is best known for creating “Fucking Trans Women,” a how-to sex guide for pre-op and non-op trans women, first published in 2010. Although Bellwether produced only one issue, the zine is considered groundbreaking in its depiction of trans women’s sexuality and sexual expression.
She shared the news of her illness on Twitter in September. “Last Fall I was diagnosed with lung cancer,” she wrote, adding, “Recently the cancer has returned at stage 4.”
Last Fall I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Recently the cancer has returned at stage 4. I’m not giving up. My friends and family are helping me launch an appeal to raise the funds I need to keep going. Please donate and share widely. ❤️#cancerhttps://t.co/v5tGDysO59
— Mira Bellwether (@TheeBellwether) September 14, 2022
Bellwether and her family – Molinari and sister CJ – had set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Bellwether’s treatment. The campaign has raised over $67,000 to help cover expenses. They are still accepting donations for any bills and expenses “coming in the weeks ahead.”
In the final days, Molinari, using Bellwether’s Twitter account, shared updates on her progress. Although the last message – posted to Molinari’s account – is private, well-wishers have shared their love and support.
“This is such sad news. Thank you for posting these updates. Mira’s life and work helped so many,” wrote one follower.
This is such sad news. Thank you for posting these updates. Mira’s life and work helped so many. Please let us know how we can support you.
— Jiz Lee (@jizlee) December 25, 2022
Wrote another, “Mira will be so deeply missed.”
Mira will be so deeply missed ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Sending all my love to you & everyone else who knew her. I’m so sorry.
— Courtney Trouble (@courtneytrouble) December 25, 2022
