Oregon

“Ultimate Guy” Contest Frontrunner Hopes to be First Trans Man on Men's Health Magazine Cover

The search is on for Men’s Health magazine’s newest “Ultimate Guy,” and this year’s top contender is more than just muscles.

Aydian Dowling wants to be the first transgender man to make the magazine’s cover. Right now, the Oregon native is leading the Reader’s Choice vote for its annual “Ultimate Guy” contest.

“I was definitely nervous that there may be some kind of pushback from the magazine,” Dowling told NPR. “I have luckily heard from Men’s Health, and in a different couple of platforms they’ve mentioned that the contest is open to all men, and that they are very happy to see the influence that a couple of trans men have been applying.”

According to Men's Health, the contest calls for "a guy who is fit and fearless, a doer who gives back and leads by example." Dowling has over 37,000 more votes than his closest competitor, but judges will determine the eventual winner.

“I think it’s sending a really positive message to the transgender people out there from Men’s Health,” Dowling continued. “I think it was a great move by them.

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