Arlo was born and raised in Minnesota in a family that held both politically and religiously conservative views. From a young age, he was taught a strict set of ideologies to live by. During his adolescence, he began to grapple with an existential dilemma: he felt a growing disconnect between the gender presentation expected of him and his true self. This conflict was difficult to resolve while still adhering to the deeply ingrained ideals of his upbringing.  

When Arlo attended college, he began to navigate and deconstruct the ideals that had held him captive. This journey empowered him to define his identity beyond the expectations placed upon him. As part of this process, he decided to commit to his greatest passions, focusing on communication studies, art history, studio art, and graphic design.

In the years following college, Arlo remained dedicated to his creative pursuits. He learned needle felting and continued to strengthen his skills as an illustrator and sculptor. During this time, he started his transition, moved across the country several times, explored various industries, and further defined his identity.

Today, he resides permanently in Minnesota, discussing queer novels in podcasts he co-hosts with his best friend, Pa Ying, and creating mixed-media sculptures that explore his experiences and identity.