Washington is grieving the loss of SaVanna Wanzer, a veteran transgender organizer who spent decades making sure Black trans Washingtonians were not just included in Pride season but leading it. Activists and community groups say her work - from building Trans Pride events to creating mentorship and health outreach - put her at the heart of D.C.'s LGBTQ+ community. Her passing has drawn tributes from national advocacy organizations, local nonprofits, and elected officials.
Community And Organizations Remember Her
A family member told Washington Blade that Wanzer died last Friday of natural causes at age 63. According to the Blade, several D.C.-based organizations quickly shared statements mourning her impact on the same day. The outlet reports that her family is expected to announce funeral arrangements, with more details to come.
National Groups Call Her A 'D.C. Legend'
The Human Rights Campaign described Wanzer as "a D.C. legend" and praised her many years of advocacy for transgender people and people living with HIV. In its remembrance, HRC highlighted her work with D.C. Black Pride, Capital Pride and the National Minority AIDS Council, noting that she inspired others through both her leadership and her humor. The statement was published last Friday.
She Built Trans-Centered Programming
Wanzer is widely credited with founding D.C. Trans Pride and D.C. Black Trans Pride, as well as launching the "May Is: All About Trans" programming that focuses on trans visibility and training. The Capital Pride Alliance notes that these efforts carved out space for trans-led panels, name-change clinics and community fairs that became fixtures of the city’s May and Memorial Day calendars.
Volunteer Work And Health Journey
Beyond big events, Wanzer spent decades volunteering with local health and community service groups, including Whitman-Walker Health's name-and-gender legal clinic and Food & Friends' programs. As described by Food & Friends, she had lived with heart problems since her teens and learned she had HIV in 1985, experiences she drew on to mentor younger trans people. Local profiles have chronicled her long volunteer record and citywide recognitions, including awards from Whitman-Walker and Capital Pride, as reported by Metro Weekly.
City Leaders Offer Condolences
Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote on Facebook that she is "deeply saddened by the passing of SaVanna Wanzer" and thanked her for working to ensure transgender people, especially Black trans residents, were visible and respected. The message, posted to the mayor’s official page, extends condolences to Wanzer's loved ones and has been shared widely across the city. Local organizers and the Capital Pride Alliance have issued tributes calling Wanzer a trailblazer and a keeper of community knowledge.
A family member told Washington Blade that funeral arrangements are expected to be announced early next week. Organizers say they plan to share memorial information and any related programming through official community channels as plans are finalized. Wanzer's influence on D.C.'s trans community and on the city’s Pride calendar is expected to be felt for years to come.
