A German model has become the first transgender man to appear on the cover of a male fitness magazine in Europe.
The April issue of the German version of Men's Health featuring cover star Benjamin Melzer hit newsstands Monday, in an important milestone for trans visibility in Europe.
The 29-year-old model, originally from a village outside Dusseldorf, hopes the cover will change the way people see transgender people, as well as giving hope to those living with gender dysphoria.
- ORDER YOUR OWN COPY NOW -. . First time ever - you have the possibility to order a collectors edition copy online. . ‼️ FIND THE LINK IN MY BIO ‼️. #men #menshealth #fitguy #fitness #powerful #potd #malemodel #ftm #ftmmodel #workhard #believe #workout #transguy #trainhard #training #fit #lifestyle #love #life #inspire #instagood #motivation #inspiration #instadaily #photooftheday #germany #staystrong #transformation #tattoo #abs A photo posted by Benjamin Melzer (@egoshooter) on Mar 14, 2016 at 5:24am PDT
Melzer was chosen as the cover star of the magazine after readers voted for him in an online poll.
"I really hope that I can change attitudes," Melzer told The Telegraph.
"When you are born this way, you have no choice. So many people are hiding who they truly are, so I really wanted to give the trans community visibility. Show that we’re just normal people."
A photo posted by Benjamin Melzer (@egoshooter) on Feb 22, 2016 at 4:10am PST
Beyond the cover, however, Melzer is using the opportunity to discuss his transition and to elevate the trans voice in mainstream men's fitness magazines.
"There was nobody there when I needed my questions answering," says Melzer, reflecting on his female-to-male transition.
"There was no hero to look up to. But, when I ended my transition, I thought to myself, 'why can’t you be that hero for somebody?’ So that’s what I’m aiming for. If I can reach just one person, I will be more than happy.”
A photo posted by Benjamin Melzer (@egoshooter) on Feb 27, 2016 at 5:35am PST
In October 2015, bodybuilder Aydian Dowling from Eugene, Oregon was a runner-up in the Men's Health cover competition in the U.S..
"I want to break the stereotype of what a man should or shouldn't be," Dowling told People magazine last year.