Aydian Dowling Could Become Men’s Health’s First Transgender Cover Model

Aydian Dowling, a 27-year-old fitness-focussed Oregonian, could become Men’s Health magazine’s first transgender cover model. He is currently very much in the lead of the magazine’s “Ultimate Guy Search” with over 32,000 votes and counting.

Image via Men's Health

Dowling is the founder of BeefHeads Fitness, a Youtube channel that coaches the trans community on how to lead a fit lifestyle. He also trains fellow trans males in person in his hometown of Eugene, Oregon.

Men’s Health’s contest calls for a man who “is fit and fearless,” “a doer,” and someone who “gives back and leads by example.” In addition to Dowling’s online and in-person coaching and support of fellow health minded trans men and women, he walks the wellness walk himself.

“I maintain a healthy lifestyle by making sure my life is in a balance,” explains Dowling. “Just like you eat foods in a balance I do my absolute best to keep my mental mind in connection to my body so they can grow healthy together. The battle that can come with the mirror can be completely dark and engulfing. As a Transgender Male, having a healthy body and mind is my ultimate goal to find peace within my soul. Although I may always have some kind of battle with my body, I continue to work everyday for a happy peace within.”