We Will Always Remember

With April came grief –– love's grand finale, as poet KB Brookins describes it.

After a joyful Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, 2025, the life of one of our dear staff members, Kaitoria "Kai" Bankz, was abruptly taken in a tragic act of violence. Another staff member was injured in the same incident. While the shock and depth of such a loss lingers, The Knights and Orchids Society remains committed to honoring Kai’s memory by continuing the important work she was so passionate about—providing comprehensive care, support, and advocacy for our community.

In our mourning, we also honored National Poetry Month by highlighting the soul-stirring works of queer Black, Indigenous and Latine poets whose words embrace and uplift us all.

April reminded us that grief is not weakness; it is witness. It shows up because love did. Because memories still speak. In our community, we hold space for sorrow like we hold space for joy—together.