Mama Gloria Allen Died: What Happened To Her? Trans Activist Cause Of Death

Gloria Allen, a 76-year-old Black transgender activist and pioneer who dedicated her life to Chicago’s trans community, passed away on Monday. Her cause of death is unknown.

Allen died quietly in her sleep, according to an announcement from Luchina Fisher, who filmed a documentary on her in 2020.

Allen, who was also known as “Mama Gloria,” is said to have died peacefully in her Chicago residence at an LGBTQ senior living facility.

"At first, I didn't like it. I didn't like being called nobody's mom. I ain't got no babies and that's the way I would think..And then I said, You know what? There's nothing wrong with being called Mama Gloria because I am their mother. I am their mother." https://t.co/Jz8iDlmkZp

— Jeffrey Masters (@jeffmasters1) June 14, 2022

Allen transitioned in the 1950s, long before the current LGBTQ rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in 1969 and the word “transgender” became widely used.

She ascribed her coming out to her mother, Alma, a showgirl and former Jet magazine centerfold, and her grandmother, Mildred, a seamstress for cross-dressers and strippers, in a prior interview with NBC News.

Mama ‘Gloria’ Allen’s obituary and memorial details are still a mystery. We’ll update this area of the page as soon as her family provides further information.

Besides, Allen worked as a certified practical nurse and subsequently as a nurse’s assistant in private homes after graduating from the University of Chicago Hospital. Her involvement in transsexual advocacy, however, made her famous.

Likewise, Allen founded a charm school at Center on Halsted in Chicago more than a decade ago to teach trans children about etiquette and correct behavior as a trans elder.

Her school was the inspiration for Philip Dawkins’ play “Charm,” which was performed in Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. in 2015.

NBC News lists the names of a few members of Mama ‘Gloria’ Allen’s family, despite the fact that there are limited facts about her family available on the internet.

It claims that Allen’s had a mother and grandmother. Her mother, Alma, was a showgirl and former Jet magazine centerfold, while her grandmother, Mildred, was a seamstress for cross-dressers and strippers.

She is survived by her adopted family, which includes many siblings and countless nieces and nephews.

Condolences to her friends and family, as well as everyone who was touched by her life.