We are incredibly saddened by the passing of visionary leader, organizer, and advocate Kiara St. James.

Kiara’s journey with Housing Works began as an employee at the thrift shop donation warehouse in Queens while developing the advocacy skills that would shape her into a respected organizer, a leader, and national voice for transgender rights. Through years of advocacy in Albany, Washington, D.C., across the country, and abroad, she became known for her grassroots leadership, insight, and unwavering dedication to her community.

A fierce advocate, compassionate leader, and brilliant historian, as a peer and staffer, Kiara transformed countless lives across New York State and beyond. As she rose, she naturally became a leader. With those qualities, she spearheaded and led to the incorporation of the now renown New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG). She played a critical role in the passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and more. She fought for safe housing, HIV prevention and treatment access, affirming healthcare, equity and economic justice for Black and Brown people, Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming communities and so much more.

NYTAG's inception was at Housing Works, rooted in the unmet needs of our transgender community. With support, guidance, and weekly meetings, NYTAG took root within these walls. Nurtured by care, support, accountability, and shared purpose. Over time, it flourished and grew into a powerful force in its own right. Much like the resilience embodied in its lotus flower logo, NYTAG rose from the conditions surrounding it, strong and unwavering, becoming a lasting testament to what community can build when it is believed in and sustained.

Her work was rooted not only in survival, but in self-empowerment, love and the unmoving belief that transgender people deserve to be unapologetically who they are. Kiara favored spirituality, healing, community care and justice, building a movement grounded in resilience.

Her legacy lives on in every barrier she helped dismantle, every voice she uplifted, and every life she touched.

We stand in solidarity with her family, loved ones, colleagues, and the NYTAG community as we all mourn her loss together.

Rest in power, Kiara. You will be remembered.

- Valerie Reyes-Jimenez, NYC Community Organizer & Housing Works Staff and Community