Men’s Health is truly stepping up the inclusiveness by becoming a place for all men, and their newest transgender cover model Ben Melzer is talking all about it with Paper magazine.
As the coverguy for this month’s Men’s Health Germany and a finalist for their “Ultimate Cover Guy” contest, Melzer is the first ever transman to cover a European fitness magazine. For Men’s Health, he’s the second transgender man to grace their cover after Aydan Dowling appeared on a collector’s edition late last year.
He took the time to chat with Paper about a variety of issues, particularly masculinity as a transgender man, and it’s good stuff.
On competition with the other cover models:
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[When the competition first started I] was like, “Wow, there are some machines in the room.” But it didn’t feel like a competition, we were all very nice to each other, and it was a very, very cool atmosphere. Some of them had no idea about my past — that I’m a trans guy. Some knew, but when they saw me, they didn’t believe it — and they were very curious, but in a respectful way.
They asked me a lot of things, and I guess it was easy for them and easy for everyone to handle, because I’m very open. You can ask me almost anything. I don’t get mad about somebody asking things because I think it’s important to educate, and to open up their minds. To make transgender, like, normal — to have them know that it wasn’t a choice.
On challenging gender norms while still loving fashion:
Some people ask “Is that the little girl in you, that you love fashion?” I’m very vain! I’m vain when I take care of myself. I don’t go out without looking in the mirror. But just because of my past, people are like “Is that the little girl in you?” But I think that it has nothing to do with gender or sexuality — I’m just shoe-addicted. I love shoes, I really love shoes.
…and why he wants Calvin Klein to call him:
My future, my life goal, would to be a Calvin Klein commercial. Just wearing underwear, because you need to accept your body. And you need to transport a message — and you can’t transport that message if you don’t feel comfortable. You have nothing but your skin, and this underwear. I want to open doors for others, so they don’t have to live in stealth. [Let people know] they’re able to achieve their dreams if they go after them.
There’s a ton more with Melzer over at Paper. Check it out, then head over to his Instagram to get some workout inspiration.
sdsinmpls
Wow! Gorgeous Man. Congrats to him!
dwes09
He does have a beautiful face and body. But I can’t help wondering about the plumbing. If he is like Buck Angel, I’d be disappointed unless he was into strap-ons. Of course he is not likely into older hairy guys built more like a cyclist than a gym bunny.
money718
Smh
heavylifter
“I’m just shoe-addicted. I love shoes, I really love shoes.”
LOL, she’s no man.