Opponents to transgender civil rights often paint trans people with a wide variety of inaccurate and damaging stereotypes. Meanwhile, other forces continue working to pave the way for transgender folks to live freely as individuals, without facing stigma or being fetishized. Accurate representations in art, popular culture and media are a vital part of making this a reality. The recent appearance of a transgender couple on the popular American reality television show “Say Yes to the Dress” is hopefully one more step forward toward reaching these goals.
Meet Gabriellex Gibson and Jaden Rogers
Gabrielle Gibson, a 33-year-old hairstyle and makeup artist, is a native of south New Jersey. A March 2017 article on Philly.com revealed that she met her fiancé, 32-year-old artist and graphic designer Jaden Rogers, while still residing in Colorado. Gibson says that after she encountered and began talking to Rogers online, she felt the two of them “clicked.” Rogers, who is also transgender, relates his own joy at proposing to Gibson. “To say I’ve found my soulmate is an understatement,” he told Pink News in March 2017.
A Twist of Fate
After the proposal, Gibson began to prepare for the big day. Her search for wedding gowns led her to Kleinfeld’s, a New York City bridal boutique regularly featured on the national version of “Say Yes to the Dress.” On the day she went shopping, she discovered that the store already had auditions booked for part of the show’s next run. She took advantage of this synchronicity and decided to apply to appear on the show. One week later, Gibson received the happy news that she’d been selected by its producers. In its March 25 episode, she selected a gown with the help of the show’s consultants. Her final choice was a Pnina Tornai satin sheath fit and flare gown, decorated with an infused glitter lace overlay.
Gibson told People Magazine in March 2017 that she was already a fan of the show, and she wasn’t initially seeking to receive attention as a trans bride. “I’ve seen people’s dreams come true [on the show], and I wanted my dreams to come true,” she explained. She also disclosed to Pink News that it was “validating to know that someone thought I was interesting enough to be a part of the show and wanted to hear my story.”
An “Amazing” Experience
Both halves of the happy couple regarded the “Say Yes to the Dress” event as positive. Gibson wrote about it on her Facebook page in late February, noting that it was “so super exciting and surreal to me all at the same time.” She divulged that it was “an amazing experience, and the crew was an absolute dream.” Although Rogers did not go with Gibson on her shopping trip, he revealed his own thoughts to Pink News as well. “I’m very grateful that the producer and staff were so trans-friendly and accommodating. It’s a life experience and memory that I will cherish for a lifetime,” he said.
While Gibson and Rogers appear in the main series of “Say Yes to the Dress,” it is not the first time a trans couple has been featured on the show. Social justice activist and educator Precious Davis, who married her trans fiancé Myles Brady, selected her gown on its Atlanta edition on a 2016 episode. It is notable, as well as a positive development, that both brides are trans women of color.
Looking Forward to Future Happiness
Gibson and Rogers will wed in November 2017 in a “country chic” ceremony in New Jersey. The couple continues to plan while anticipating their special day. As a newly wedded pair, the possibilities of shared love and a happy life together lie ahead for their enjoyment.
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