Jenni Rose, lead singer of the Dallas-based alt-country band The Vandoliers, recently came out as a transgender woman — a deeply personal step she says has brought newfound joy and freedom to both her life and career.
In an interview with Rolling Stone this April, Rose opened up about her journey, her identity, and how coming out has reshaped her world.
The Vandoliers, known for their energetic blend of country, punk, and Americana, released their debut album Ameri-Kinda in 2016 and have since built a loyal following. Their fifth studio album, Life Behind Bars, is set for release on June 27, 2025.
“I Didn’t Want Anyone to Find Out”
Rose shared that she knew from a very young age that she didn’t identify with the gender assigned to her at birth.
“I realized at four I didn’t want to be a boy,” she told Rolling Stone. “For 26 years, I’ve tried to be anything but a trans person — and it never went away.”
Last summer, Rose came out to her family, and later in the year, to her bandmates. She described how her fear of being discovered kept her distant from others for years.
“I’ve always kept people at arm’s length because of this,” she said. “I didn’t want anybody to ever find out.”
Finding Herself and Finding Community
Since coming out, Rose says she’s found more connection, support, and confidence than ever before.
“It’s been great. Jenni has way more friends,” she said with a smile. “I never had friends. You can ask [bandmate] Cory [Graves] how often I’d say I don’t have anyone outside the band. Now, I have a lot.”
She explained how finally being open about who she is has changed her entire outlook.
“I allowed myself to have friends. I allowed myself to take care of myself. I allowed myself to just be me — regardless of what people say or do.”
“It taught me how to stand up for myself.”
On the Road Again
With their new album on the way, Jenni Rose and The Vandoliers will kick off their summer tour on June 21 in Denver, Colorado. Following their U.S. dates, the band will head overseas for an international tour this November.
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