Aydian Dowling Becomes an Athlete Ally Ambassador

Though progress is continual, sports and athletics remains a point of contention when it comes to LGBT equality and inclusion.

Aydian Dowling, already an ever-growing part of the debate for inclusion and representation, will become lending his voice to that landscape. The transgender fitness model, who's one of the finalists in the Men's Health "Ultimate Guy" contest to appear on the magazine's cover, joins three others as ambassadors with Athlete Ally, a nonprofit focused on educating and activating athletes to champion LGBT equality.

Joined by two other transgender-identified bodybuilders, and one fitness trainer who includes transgender-specific fitness programs in her core curriculum. Athlete Ally Ambassadors speak out to their peers, sports, and fan bases to help promote LGBT inclusion.

"Each ambassador has an amazing story, educates others, and speaks to the positive impact that inclusive fitness and sports environments can have on individuals and communities," said Hudson Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of Athlete Ally in a release. "Right now, transgender people are not fully protected from discrimination in 33 states, and they face staggeringly disproportionate amounts of discrimination, harassment, and violence," he continued. "When openly transgender athletes are in the running for magazine covers, world record-setting weightlifters, and winners of gold medals at the Gay Games - and when non-transgender trainers take the time to develop substantial fitness programs especially for trans athletes - everyone wins."