Arielle + Aaron

Aaron's story...

​

“Again, follow your dreams, because unqualified idiots are paid to do things they shouldn't be doing every day, why not you.” One of my favorite writers said that back in 2016 and I’ve never forgotten it. What I’m about to share is for anyone who cares to listen. It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve been informed that I have to say something here. Clarification is good! Because usually, understanding comes afterward.

 

If you’re reading this you probably care a lot about either me or Arielle. Possibly both! So, that’s great. As a couple we care deeply about the people in our lives. You guys give us advice when we need it, a smile when we’re feeling down, and the inspiration to get up off the mat and meet another day head-first. But, there’s probably something you don’t know about me. I’m transgender.

 

Now, before you get outraged about something so big being dumped in a format like this. Let me explain. I’ve been transgender for years. Seeing a doctor for years. Talking to other medical professionals for longer. A number of years ago, I was going through depression and anxiety about the future. I learned about gender dysphoria and began to explore that for myself. After a long time consulting with medical professionals, we confirmed that for me this was the diagnosis.

 

I began the process so long ago, but, I was afraid to tell many people. Because, it would change the way you all would perceive me. Arielle gave me the push I needed to make some necessary changes in our lives and we’ve probably never been happier.

 

In fact, Ari wanted me to make sure to tell all of you about myself before we got any further on our wedding journey. But, a funny thing happened on the way to the word processor, I figured out it would be good for me to be forthright with everyone too. It can be hard to juggle multiple facets of yourself. (Living in front of a camera might multiply it!)

 

Getting personal and letting people close is kind of hard for me to be honest. One thing I’ve learned, between school and working, is that people rarely want to be made uncomfortable. So, because I know that my very presence would probably make some of you all uncomfortable, it was easier just to allow time to pass. However, my fiancé has taught me that you have to take up space and not apologize for it. (We’re still, very much, working on the “no apologizing thing”) So, this is me.

 

On behalf of us both, I’d like to ask for your understanding and willingness to listen. It might be a bit confusing for some of you. “Why now? Why this choice?” But, I truly feel more at ease within myself and moving through the world now. There were a lot of parts of myself I wasn’t okay with. We’re working on those and making an effort to be a better person every time my feet hit the floor for another day.

 

Our marriage is something that both of us are elated to celebrate and we want you to be excited about it. Hopefully, two Brides instead of one doesn’t change that. It could, but we have faith that you’ll all still show up to support us on the biggest days of our lives so far. (Yes, even bigger than Match Day for Arielle, Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals where the Golden State Warriors blew a 3-1 lead for Aaron.) It’s going to be an amazing ride for both of us and we just wanted to get that out an in the open. Ari has already told most of you on her side of things and my family is in the process of being informed.

 

Thank all of you for your support and we hope you’re ready to celebrate our love and move into the next chapter of our lives. This is going to be the most joyous gathering the banks of the Cuyahoga River has seen since July 22, 1796. 

 

As ever,

 

Aaron Perine (Bride 1 and Arielle has decided she’s Bride A!)

Want to learn more about Gender Identity Terms - Click Here

​