Trans Guy Aydian Dowling (Maybe) Covering “Men’s Health” Is a Really Big Deal
Men’s Health is looking for a guy who is “fit and fearless, a doer who gives back and leads by example” to be one of their cover stars. The magazine, which usually features the hunky Hemsworths, Zac Efrons, and David Beckhams of the world all oiled-up and shirtless, is crowdsourcing a non-famous man for an upcoming issue. And the publication’s leader, which is determined by Facebook votes, so far is surprising (if only because I lack faith in the heart and decency of humanity).
Aydian Dowling is a 27-year-old transgender man and currently leading the contest by a long shot with nearly twice as many yea ballots as the runner up. From Eugene, Oregon, Dowling started vlogging his transition in 2009 and has since become a trans advocate, fundraiser, and motivational speaker. He shot to Internet notoriety earlier this year when a photoshoot mimicking Adam Levine’s famous Cosmopolitian UK spread (the one where he’s naked except for then-girlfriend Anne Vyalitsyna’s hands covering his manly parts) went viral.
With the recreated images that appeared in trans-centric magazine FTM, it brought the conversation of what trans actually looks like to the forefront. Many were perplexed by Dowling’s manly appearance. And with a possible Men’s Health cover, or even just the attention surrounding his potential casting, this discussion will get even more of the consideration it needs. The magazine says it has an audience of more than 13 million mostly male readers.
Dowling not only winning this battle but also crushing the competition signals a significant turn of public acceptance and understanding. He’s a normal guy just like the hundreds of other cover candidates. He’s married to a woman named Jenilee and the couple loves to hike around the Pacific North West. He does body-building, light cardio, and tries to eat well. “I maintain a healthy lifestyle by making sure my life is in a balance. 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,” he wrote in his application. “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.”
Normalizing trans within the media is a step towards normalizing it within society. And maybe, just maybe, Dowling’s cover can help do that—even more than he already has.
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