Metro Weekly

Trans model Aydian Dowling discusses Men’s Health and coming out on Ellen

“I came out to my mother first, and I felt a lot of guilt with that. She had two sons already, and I felt like I was robbing her of her only daughter.

— Trans model Aydian Dowling, on The Ellen Show. Dowling rose to fame earlier this year following a photo shoot with FTM magazine, in which he recreated an almost nude pose by Adam Levine for Cosmopolitan UK.

Aydian Dowling (L) and Adam Levine, Credit- Jason Robert Ballard / ftmmagazine.com
Aydian Dowling (L) and Adam Levine, Credit- Jason Robert Ballard / ftmmagazine.com

Dowling is currently leading a competition by Men’s Health to appear on the magazine’s November cover. With almost 50,000 more votes than his second place competitor, Dowling seems certain to win Men’s Health’s “Ultimate Guy” crown. The competition is searching for “the guy who possesses all of the qualities that make up today’s well rounded, active, health conscious and thoughtful guy.”

“As a Transgender Male, having a healthy body and mind is my ultimate goal to find peace within my soul,” Dowling wrote in his application. “Although I may always have some kind of battle with my body, I continue to work everyday for a happy peace within.”

Should Dowling succeed, he will be the first trans male to appear on the cover of the magazine. To add your vote, head here.

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