Shawna Virago has been a guiding light in the trans music world for decades. She’s a trailblazer whose influence has shaped generations of artists, including me. I’ve admired her since I was a teenager playing shows in San Francisco, and I’m lucky to shared stages with her since. Based in San Francisco, Shawna has been carving out space for trans musicians since the 1990s, writing raw, alt Americana, folk, blues, indie rock driven songs that have taken her to national stages and into the hearts of countless listeners.
Her latest release, “Holy Rollers 25,” is a laid back country ballad with real emotional weight. Shawna describes it as “a melancholy meditation on willful ignorance in contemporary America,” and she delivers every word with a Southern drawl full of grit, wisdom, and lived experience. The track lands like a quiet protest, powerful without shouting, calling out the political and religious extremism threatening democracy. The guitar riffs, all played by her, bend dazzle throughout the song, adding another element of talent to the track.
Outside of her music, Shawna’s impact on the community is immeasurable. She has served as the longtime director and host of the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival, guiding it for over 20 years. The festival just wrapped its 2025 run, continuing their mission of amplifying trans voices across artistic mediums.
Shawna Virago isn’t just a singer-songwriter writing songs that reveal truth, she’s a cornerstone of our trans culture and a fierce champion for trans storytelling in all its forms. We are honored to feature her, her Epiphone SG and that super cute trans flag bedding, on Rock the Pigeon with her newest music video and song, “Holy Rollers 25.” We know you’ll enjoy this one!
Written by Ryan Cassata
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