As I started to mature and go though puberty it became evident to me something didn't feel normal and I started doing my own research. He says they attended church four times a week, and his family's faith meant they disapproved of same sex relationships.Īaron said: "My early years were challenging because I knew from a young age I wasn't feeling what others my age were feeling. And they also saw each other every two years, when he returned to see his grandma.Īaron was raised in a conservative household and, after realising he was gay at 14, slowly grew apart from his family, he said. They stayed in contact over the years despite the 2,200 mile distance, Snapchatting and speaking on the phone. At that point, they both presented as girls, and became best friends, before he had to move back to Oregon, to live with his family. "We had a connection that was instant - but our romantic relationship was a slower progression." Kayla, who jointly owns the media business, said: "Our relationship was built upon our friendship and I believe that’s what makes it so strong.”Īaron and Kayla met at school when he briefly moved to Tennessee for six months aged 14, when they were both in eighth grade. Media company owner Aaron said: "Me and Kayla are happily married and all the trials and tribulations I've been through to get to this point have been so worth it.
They said their years of friendship as kids - when they both presented as girls - is the foundation for their happy marriage. Aaron, now 25, credits Kayla, now 26, with supporting him during tough periods, and she now even helps administer his testosterone supplements. He moved thousands of miles away but they kept in touch, and when they were reunited six years later, fell in love, getting married in 2021. Aaron and Kayla Capener became best pals aged 14 long before he knew he was transgender. Two best friends who first knew each other as schoolgirls have married - after one transitioned to become a man.