EUGENE, Ore. -- A Eugene man is leading a competition to be named the "Ultimate Guy" for Men's Health Magazine.
What makes this even more noteworthy is that Aydian Dowling, 27, is transgender.
Dowling, who now lives with his wife in Eugene and runs a trans clothing company called Point 5cc, began his transition from female to male in 2009.
"I was very unhappy and depressed before," he told Today.com. "Pretty much once I got some therapy and help and started taking hormones, my life started to fall into place. My core is the same person, but my confidence has grown tremendously."
Dowling documented his transition on video, and he posted clips from his journey on YouTube.
He told TODAY.com he started working out when he realized it would help him feel more comfortable in his skin. He now does a bodybuilding routine and on his off days, hikes with his wife.
The Ultimate Man search looks for "a guy who is fit and fearless, a doer who gives back and leads by example."
Dowling is currently leading the Ultimate Guy search by nearly 30,000 votes. If he wins, Dowling will receive a prize package and could be featured on the cover of the national magazine.
The contest runs through May 21, 2015. To vote, click here.
