Benjamin Melzer a Transgender fitness model from Germany has been confirmed to appear on April’s cover of the German edition of Men’s Health.
The announcement makes Melzer the first trans person to feature on the cover of a men’s fitness magazine in Europe.
The April edition will feature the fitness model’s experiences and thoughts throughout his transition.
“When I was in that situation, I had nobody to talk to,” Melzer explains. “I want to give the community a face, stand up and answer those questions for people.”
Ben, who was born Yvonne, started transitioning at the age of 23 and always had a passion for fitness. However because of the surgeries, Melzer always struggled to achieve his goal.
“After about 3 years everything was finally done and I started to concentrate on my training and diet.”
When speaking about his life post-transition, Melzer says, “This is me and I’m very happy with the person I became. My inside and my outside finally fit and that’s why I’m not at all ashamed to talk about it.”
Melzer hopes he can use the publicity he’s receiving to give hope to other trans individuals.
“Many ask me: Why do you do this, why did you public and tell your story? But that’s easy to answer. When I was in that situation, I had nobody to talk to, nobody to ask all [these] questions. That’s what I want to do. I want to give the community a face, stand up and answer those questions for people. If there is one person out there I can help, I will succeed.”
Melzer’s pending appearance in Men’s Health Germany follows trans bodybuilder Aydian Dowling becoming the first trans person to feature on the cover of a Men’s Health magazine after entering Men’s Health‘s United State, “Ultimate Guy” competition in which Aydian finished in the top five.
Last Updated on Feb 10, 2016
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