April 24, 2026
In Tribute…
It is with our deepest sadness that we at Auntie’s Home recognize the passing of one of our community’s greatest advocates, SaVanna K. Wanzer. When I first talked to SaVanna about wanting to start a non-profit not only did she encourage me to do it, just a few short weeks later, she texted me and told me to stop by her home when I could and gave me a laptop that I could use to bring my vision, Auntie’s Home, to life. That was just the smallest example of Savanna’s love and support. She has supported our organization from day one but she advocated for every trans person she met. SaVanna birthed Capital Trans Pride, May Is: All About Trans, and Black Pride while fighting for our rights and even as recently as last year was working to have a monument created in DC dedicated to the transgender community. She has been an aunty, mother, sister, friend, and ally to everyone she met. As I sit here having moved from Executive Director to Board member, it was SaVanna that gave me advice on managing the transition and bringing in our amazing new E.D., Kaniya Walker. When I sat with her just a few weeks ago, she said that she had so much life to live and was not going to stop fighting her health diagnosis, and that is exactly what she did! From traveling to Japan and Africa to representing our community. Strong through it all. Kind without hesitation. Powerful with compassion. I will miss my sister and my friend and Auntie’s Home mourns this moment. Under the vision of Ms. Walker, we recently and excitedly established a scholarship in SaVanna’s honor to support the continuing education and development of community members. However, we all join together with the DC area and the nation to celebrate the life of SaVanna Wanzer. We Say Her Name… SaVanna Wanzer
With deep sadness,
Diedre D. Gray
Founder & Former Executive Director
