On Friday night, the police in Kansas City, Missouri, were called to the 3200 block of Independence Avenue to investigate the death of a pedestrian.
According to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), the individual tragically lost their life as a result of being struck by one or more vehicles.
Friends of the victim have identified her as Kita Bee, a 46-year-old transgender woman who was widely recognized in the community.
Kris Wade, a friend of Kita, expressed how beloved she was among the people in the streets.
Wade had known Kita for almost twenty years.
Wade expressed that the passing of the woman was incredibly traumatizing for both her street family and her biological family, who deeply loved her, including her sister and mother.
Wade, the executive director of The Justice Project, is dedicated to supporting individuals who have endured homelessness, abuse, and life on the streets. As a survivor peer organization, they provide invaluable assistance to those in need.
Wade confidently claimed, “We serve as guides leading the way to the exit.”
Kita and Wade initially formed a connection during Wade’s tenure at another organization.
“We eventually established The Justice Project and took the first steps towards making a difference. Throughout this journey, she remained a dedicated member of our team, and it became apparent that her circumstances were dire, much like many others,” Wade expressed. “Over the years, we have provided her with assistance in various aspects, including housing and accessing necessary treatment.”
Wade described Kita Bee as someone who always stayed true to herself.
According to Wade, no matter the time, day, or situation, she remained true to herself. Her resilience and survival instincts were remarkable.
According to Wade, Kita was an incredibly kind person who had faced numerous challenges in life.
According to Wade, she had endured being shot and attacked multiple times. She had also faced various illnesses and had been in and out of the hospital over the years. Despite all these challenges, she always managed to come out on top.
Kita’s loved ones are eagerly anticipating justice for her and her family.
Wade expressed his hope for justice for her and her family, particularly her sister, amidst everything that has transpired.
Wade’s message to others is a simple yet powerful one: be kind. He understands that we may never truly know what someone else is going through, and a little kindness can go a long way in making a positive difference in their lives.
According to Wade, Kita was unapologetically herself, and although this may have unsettled some individuals, he believes that people should embrace and show respect towards those who are different from them. He emphasizes the importance of being kind and avoiding hasty judgments, as there may be underlying factors that we are unaware of.
As the investigation continues, KSHB 41 is eagerly awaiting further information. However, according to some friends, it is believed that this incident may have been intentional.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, violence claimed the lives of at least 32 transgender and gender-expansive individuals last year. Shockingly, 84% of these victims were people of color, with 50% being Black transgender women.
The police have yet to confirm whether Kita Bee’s killing was intentional.
Advocacy groups in the Kansas City area are actively working to raise awareness about the issue of violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
In the past five years, there have been numerous cases of violence and murder against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in the Kansas City area. These incidents have tragically claimed the lives of several innocent people.
We have reached out to Kita’s family and are making arrangements to speak with them later this week.
