Help us remember Te'Ana Sinclaire

Te'Ana Sinclair (Mavin) was a phenomenal trans woman. When she picked her name and her own path, she found family and a community that loved and supported her. We were devastated when she died suddenly on Friday, July 28, 2023.

She was ferocious, feral by some standards, but she was funny and a true, loyal friend. She loved dancing, anime, WWE wrestling, new wigs, short shorts and steamed crabs. Te'Ana had so much life left to live and was taken from us way too soon.

Her friends were hurt and shocked to see the wrong pronouns and a dead name used in the memorial information, as well as an old, outdated photo that didn't represent her. Te'Ana was never ashamed of who she was and loved being her true, authentic self. She would want to be remembered for who she was, not for something others wanted her to be.

We're raising funds to publish an obituary for her locally and in her hometown in Florida. We want to give those who loved her a memorial to keep. We want people to know her life was important. We want to make sure she is not erased. She mattered.

These funds will be used to publish her obituary and any associated costs. We'll also use funds to plant sunflowers in her honor. We'd like to have a small ceremony for her, as well. Any additional funds raised will be donated in her name to a Hampton Roads organization that supports trans children, teens and adults. Please help us remember our dear friend and the little spitfire that was Te'Ana Sinclaire.

We also ask that you support trans people by respecting their chosen names, pronouns and their choice to be who they are in life and death. Take a stand against policies and legislation that would cause harm trans people.

A memorial service was held Aug. 4 in Smithfield, Virginia. Please check the Daily Press in Newport News for an upcoming obituary.