In a May 5 Instagram post, the organization KC Transformations, which works to build leadership among Midwestern trans communities, described Bee as a “KC Black Trans icon.”
“Kita Bee was one of our original Kansas City trans women of color who played a significant role in mentoring many of our sisters and was an icon in the community,” the post continued.
Kris Wade, the executive director of the Justice Project, a local peer support nonprofit supporting women who have experienced homelessness and abuse, told the Star that she had known Bee for 18 years and described her as a “very sweet soul.”
“She was in her full authentic persona all the time, and that takes guts when you’re a trans person,” Wade said. “Especially a trans woman of color.”
Wade added that Bee had previously survived other major injuries, including another hit-and-run incident earlier this year. She had been close with her sister, Raynisha, and her mother, who passed away earlier this year.
“Kita was very bold in her personality,” Raynisha, told KC Transformations. “Her idol was Mary J. Blige, and she was an all-around entertainer. She loved to sing, dance, perform to make you happy, smile, or laugh.”
According to a May 6 KC Transformations Instagram post, Bee’s family is currently raising funds to support her burial and funeral costs through the CashApp $SheroRay.
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