A celebration of the life of Washington, D.C., transgender rights advocate Savannah Wanser is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., according to a statement released by her brother, Lee Livingston Perrin, and Whitman Walker Health, a local LGBTQ supportive health center where Wanser was a longtime volunteer.
Mr. Wanzer, 63, a lifelong resident of Washington, D.C., died of natural causes on April 23, Perine told the Washington Blade.
“Let us come together to honor Savannah Wanzer, a woman whose leadership, vision and compassion profoundly shaped our communities in Washington, D.C. and beyond,” a statement from Whitman Walker said.
“Savannah has created a space where transgender people, especially Black and Brown transgender people, can gather, be affirmed, and be mentored,” the statement added. “From DC Trans Pride to DC Black Trans Pride to May Is All About Trans, her influence continues to be felt,” it reads, referring to events that Wanzer played a leading role in organizing.
“A long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.’s first Trans Pride home, this celebration reflects both her spiritual home and the community in which she has grown, and is a meaningful conclusion to Trans Pride Weekend,” the statement said.
The service will include American Sign Language interpretation and be livestreamed. Westminster DC Facebook Page.
It also said a vigil for Wanzer was planned for Saturday night, May 16, also at Westminster Presbyterian Church, to provide an opportunity for “Savannah’s friends to come together and share their stories, memories and love for her.”
Perine said Saturday’s event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and will be led by Racine Pendarvis, a longtime Washington, D.C., LGBTQ rights advocate and event organizer. In a statement, he described Saturday’s event as “an evening of reflection and fellowship while celebrating the life, work, and unstoppable spirit of Savannah Wanzer.”
His statement read: “Members of the community are invited to share their stories, memories and testimonies to celebrate Savannah’s life.
Whitman Walker spokeswoman Lisa Amoah said Whitman Walker is extending its support for the memorial by cooperating with the announcement, but is not an organizer of the event.
Live music will begin at 12:15 p.m. prior to the May 17 memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St., S.C., according to a statement from Whitman Walker.
It said if Westminster is full, nearby Riverside Baptist Church, 699 S. Main Ave., has offered to open its doors to accommodate additional guests who can watch the service through livestream arrangements.
A “meal of love” will be held following Sunday services at Westminster.
Memorial service for transgender rights advocate Savannah Wanzer scheduled for May 17 appeared first on Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
