SaVanna Wanzer has dedicated her life to trans education and representation
The tireless founder of May Is? All About Trans empowers the transgender community, one teaching moment at a time
Interview by John Riley
April 28, 2021
SaVanna Wanzer Photo: Todd Franson
“I’ve learned in life that you can have as many sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, and family you want by adopting people in the community who generate love,” says SaVanna Wanzer. “Whoever gives you love, you give that love right back to them.”
Wanzer’s life is all about love, from her personal relationships to her advocacy on behalf of her beloved transgender community. But acceptance has not always come easily to the 58-year old trans activist and health educator. While Wanzer’s identity was accepted by her birth and adoptive mothers, and some extended family members like uncles and aunts, most of her siblings struggled to accept her.
Brigit D. Biagiotti April 27, 2021
Much of the damage done by COVID is apparent; some is not. For young Delawareans, and especially LGBTQ+ Delawareans, living a virtual life for the last 12-plus months has often meant isolation, seclusion, and adversity.
Middle and high school students, who in ordinary times struggle with identity, academics and peer pressure, were suddenly detached from daily routines, friends, sports and in-person learning. Many are feeling the emotional distress of this abrupt social isolation. For LGBTQ+ youth, with most schools transitioning to remote instruction, COVID also meant being cut off from the safe space provided by meetings of the Gay Straight Alliance at many Delaware schools. As the recruitment and inclusion manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, I see the impact this has had on our younger clients. With the loss of social circles and the supportive nature of GSAs, some of our youth have been plunged into an unsupportive an