Meet Ben Melzer: The First Trans Man to Cover a European Fitness Mag

Trans fitness model Ben Melzer will make history next month, when his Men's Health Germany cover hits stands. It will mark the first time that a European fitness magazine features a trans man on its cover—in this case, for the special Collector's Edition. 

 

2ND DAY - NO CARB That really takes it out of you!!! 4 days left till the final NEW BLOG POST ONLINE - www.egoshooter.com - After the final I'll show some exercises. Any wishes? What's important for you? Leave a comment ;) #ftm #fit #fitguy #fitness #inspiration #training #transguy #transman #transformation #transgender #motivation #powerful #strength #crossfit #tattoo #abs #focus #believe #ftmmodel #model #men #love #life #healthy #lifestyle #instagood

A photo posted by Benjamin Melzer (@egoshooter) on Jan 12, 2016 at 9:44am PST

Like OUT100 honoree Aydian Dowling, Melzer entered the magazine's cover model contest. While Dowling was a runner-up—itself a massive achievement and an incredible moment for trans visibility in the United States—Melzer won. Of the experience, he says, "If there is one person out there I can help, I will succeed." 

 

Time to get up and rock the gym #instagood #goodmorning #gym #fit #fitness #ftm #model #ftmmodel #fitguy #transguy #training #workout #transman #transgender #transformation #picoftheday #believe #workhard #tattoo #abs #fitspiration #inspiration #motivation #instadaily #strength #focus #follow A photo posted by Benjamin Melzer (@egoshooter) on Dec 28, 2015 at 12:04am PST

Watch him talk a bit about his journey below: 

Photo via Instagram