04/24/2026
We honor the life of a remarkable community leader who led with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. She organized, uplifted, and supported those in need, leaving a lasting impact through her strength and love.
Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the paths she helped create for others.
May she rest in power.
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of our founder and forever mother, SaVanna Wanzer.
A community leader, trailblazer and visionary, SaVanna embodied what it meant to live in power, purpose and vision. In 2007, SaVanna founded Capital Trans Pride, which built upon a legacy here in the District of Columbia of creating trans-centered spaces in our nation’s capital.
What started as a small social group in the basement of a local church, has grown into an independent organization, now known as Trans Pride Washington DC, which hosts a full day conference welcoming hundreds of community members from around the region. As a budding organization, with eager volunteers, SaVanna has always shepherded us along the way. We strive to live up to the grandeur of the dreams SaVanna had for our community and are forever grateful for the wisdom, care and guidance she provided us every step of the way.
SaVanna has been our light and shining star. For trans, non-binary and gender expansive folks around our region, she has built programs, systems and spaces for us to be seen, heard, recognized and celebrated. From May Is: All About Trans, to DC Black Trans Pride, to FLUX DC, to Trans Pride Washington, DC, SaVanna was nothing short of a visionary, committed to the growth, visibility, and advancement of the trans community. She was unapologetic about putting us first, and was intentional about celebrating all the ways we are able to show up in this world.
SaVanna was a fighter and a dreamer. She knew our worth and always demanded that trans folks be treated with dignity and respect. A trailblazer and a giant in our community, SaVanna truly was one of one. As we continue to reflect on the life and legacy of SaVanna, we remain in awe of her service to trans people and the larger LGBTQIA+ community. Always willing to learn, and never deterred in her commitment to our community, SaVanna leaves behind scores of mentees, activists and community members ready to keep the work moving forward.
To our mother, our teacher, our leader and our friend SaVanna Wanzer — your work speaks volumes and touches our hearts. May you rest in eternal and everlasting peace, power and glory.
In loving solidarity, Trans Pride Washington, DC
