Led by Trans Brilliance: A Trans Day of Visibility Celebration at Q Kansas City

On Friday, March 28th, we had the profound honor of hosting a transformative evening led entirely by the Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC) in celebration of Trans Day of Visibility. From the moment the doors opened, the space pulsed with life, power, and possibility.

At Q Kansas City, one of our core beliefs is simple but unwavering: The best people to lead trans folks are trans folks.

This was not our event—this was TWOCC’s event, through and through. We simply opened our doors and held space while they led with clarity, purpose, and care. What unfolded that night was nothing short of extraordinary.

A Celebration Rooted in Joy, Resistance, and Community

The evening began with guests arriving to the warm and intentional sounds of DJ Smiles, setting a tone of connection and celebration. Our upstairs lounge, Q&A, welcomed guests for a VIP reception, offering a more intimate space to connect and reflect before the main event.

From there, the night unfolded in waves of joy, visibility, and collective pride. The Trans Day of Visibility Show featured two rounds of performances from local trans artists, each one a bold statement of identity, power, and self-expression. These weren’t just performances—they were affirmations, declarations, and offerings.

In between, we witnessed runway walks and performance categories that encouraged guests to hit the floor and show up as their fullest, most vibrant selves. From the “Walk the Flag” runway—where participants dressed in the colors of the trans flag—to the “Bring It to the Floor” performance category, we saw everything from vogueing and free styling to storytelling through movement. Each moment was met with roaring applause and fierce community energy.

But beyond the celebration and creativity, there was a deeper thread running through the night—a moment of reverence and remembrance.

Honoring Dee Dee Pearson and Announcing Dee Dee’s House

At 7:40 PM, the music quieted. The crowd stilled. A video played honoring Dee Dee Pearson, a beloved Black trans woman from Kansas City who was tragically taken from us on Christmas Eve in 2011. Dee Dee was known for her warmth, humor, and deep love for community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of many—and now, it will live on in something even bigger.

That evening, TWOCC announced the official launch of Dee Dee’s House—the first trans-led transitional housing program in Kansas City. It’s more than just housing. It’s a home. It’s care. It’s safety. And it’s a radical act of love and leadership.

“Dee Dee didn’t have a place like this when she needed it most,” said Nyla Foster, Executive Director of TWOCC. “We’re building something that will ensure others do. This is how we carry her legacy forward—not in words, but in action.”

Dee Dee’s House will provide affirming, trauma-informed housing for trans people in crisis. It’s designed by trans folks, for trans folks—ensuring that the people most impacted by housing insecurity and violence are the ones shaping the solutions.

Why It Matters to Q Kansas City

Trans people—especially Black and brown trans women—face disproportionate rates of homelessness, violence, and discrimination. Visibility is important. But without material support, safety, and care, visibility alone is not enough.

Dee Dee’s House is the kind of bold, necessary response our city needs. It’s a vision of what’s possible when trans people are given the resources and respect to lead. And it’s happening right here in Kansas City.

Support Dee Dee’s House

If you were there on March 28th, you already know how powerful this night was. If you missed it, you can still be part of the movement.

Donate now to support Dee Dee’s House: https://www.twocc.org/donate Every dollar raised goes directly toward creating housing, care, and opportunity for trans people in crisis.

You can also support by:– Volunteering your time or skills– Sharing this mission with your networks– Continuing to show up for the trans community year-round

Donate to Dee Dee's House

Thank You, TWOCC

To Nyla Foster and the incredible team at TWOCC: thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your trust. It was an honor to hold space at Q Kansas City while you led us in celebration, remembrance, and action.

At Q, we’re committed to being a home for community—not just in name, but in practice. That means following the leadership of those most impacted. It means showing up, holding space, and stepping back when it’s not our turn to speak. We’re proud to live those values alongside partners like TWOCC.

Let’s keep building a Kansas City where every trans person has what they need to thrive—not just on Trans Day of Visibility, but every single day.