Garrett Mitchell

The Republic | azcentral.com

Metro Phoenix activists and friends of the transgender man fatally shot by Mesa police earlier this month gathered at a Phoenix park Monday night to express their grief and frustration.

About 100 people attended the emotional candlelight vigil organized by a transgender rights activist at Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix. The vigil was created to celebrate the life of 24-year-old Kayden Clarke, who was transitioning from female to male before he was killed during a welfare check by police.

Clarke, whom police originally identified by his legal name of Danielle Jacobs, was shot by officers responding to a suicidal-person call at his home near 80th Street and Brown Road after a friend reported concerns on Feb. 4.

Police said Clarke, who had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, was shot by two officers after he lunged at them with a knife. He died later that day of his injuries.

Mesa transgender man from viral Asperger's meltdown video killed by police

The deadly shooting sent shock waves through the autistic and LGBTQ communities, and the Mesa Police Department later announced plans to create a new crisis-response team to better help citizens suffering from cognitive disabilities, mental illness or are in crisis.

Community vigil

On Monday, local activists, friends and Arizona residents touched by Clarke's story gathered to remember him in Phoenix. Clutching candles, the group stood in solace as Beyonce's song "I Was Here" played.

"You may have not have known him directly, but we feel a loss in our community," said Monica Jones, who organized the event. "He was taken from us far too soon."

Through Clarke's numerous online postings on social media, he touched and transcended borders across the globe, Jones said.

Many knew Clarke through his videos. But others had known him for years.

A representative for Clarke's family said they were struggling with Clarke's death but were grateful for the support and kindness they've received. One-N-Ten Program Director Kado Stewart, who knew Clarke, said he had been buried in a suit and tie and "looked very handsome."

The statement drew applause and smiles from the crowd.

Gabe Parker, 30, of Bisbee, traveled to Phoenix to honor his late friend, who he hadn't seen for a few years.

Parker met Clarke at the Yep House, a place where he met with other LGBTQ youths who found a sense of community. Parker described Clarke as an upbeat friend who was passionate about dogs.

"He was a free spirit, he was a really good person," Parker said. "It feels like a dream; it doesn't feel real."

Throughout the evening, attendees spoke about Clarke's impact, mistreatment of those seeking gender reassignment and suffering many with mental illness face.

"It's important for the transgender community to show unity in violence against community members," said Abby Jensen, the vice president of the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance. "Gatekeeping has caused a lot of pain in this community."

Online efforts

In the wake of Clarke's death, his friends, national organizations and local activists have sought to bring attention to the shooting through online campaigns and social media.

The National LGBTQ Task Force, in conjunction with disability awareness organizations, expressed grief and condemnation of the fatal shooting in a joint statement released Feb. 8.

The statement suggested disappointed in the events leading to Clarke's death, in addition to the systematic discrimination he faced during his transition because of his Asperger's diagnosis.

"People experiencing mental-health crises deserve better. Nobody should have to worry that when they call police to respond to a suicide crisis, the police will kill the person that they are supposed to be helping," the statement said. "...These tragedies are sadly all too common and demonstrate the need for serious policy change. We owe it to Kayden, and to all transgender people and people experiencing mental health crises, to stop these preventable deaths."

A co-worker and friend of Clarke's launched a GoFundMe page that raised more than $4,000 for funeral expenses.

On the page, photos of Clarke and his service dog featured prominently along with some insight on his life and death, which has left Clarke's family "shattered," the post said.

Online endeavors such as a Change.org petition and a "Justice for Kayden Clarke" Facebook group have attracted hundreds of people and aim to draw awareness to the fatal incident.

"He was somebody's son, brother, uncle. And the way his life ended was a tragedy," Jones said.

Crisis Numbers

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386

Teen Lifeline: 602-248-8336

Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care 24-hour crisis line: 602-222-9444

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860