text: This is the transgender man who is poised to grace the cover of Men's Health Magazine. Aydian Ethan Dowling has around 40,000 votes to win the publication's annual Ultimate Guy Search - 30,000 more than his closest competitor. He would follow Iraq war veteran and amputee Noah Galloway, who clinched the top spot last year. The competition aims to find a man 'who possesses all of the qualities that make up today's well-rounded, active, health-conscious and thoughtful guy'. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Cover star? Aydian Dowling is the transgender man widely touted to be on the cover of Men's Health . Miles ahead: Though the public vote only counts for 10 per cent, Aydian clearly has a huge backing . Family life: Aydian, who transitioned in 2009, lives with his wife of three years Jenilee in Oregon . A spokesman told Yahoo: 'We're looking for a guy who's physically fit, who lives a healthy lifestyle, leads by example, has overcome some challenges in his life, and somebody who our readers can learn something from.' With a fan base of thousands on Facebook, Aydian is touted as a role model for transgender, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual men in showing that he has struggled, achieved, and helped others. Aydian, who started taking 'T' (testosterone medication) in 2009, lives in Eugene, Oregon, with his wife of three years Jenilee. Beyond his hit YouTube channel, the entrepreneur has launched his own sportswear brand, Point5cc, which he says is 'designed to highlight transgender pride'. His contestant application reads: 'The battle that can come with the mirror can be completely dark and engulfing. 'As a Transgender Male, having a healthy body and mind is my ultimate goal to find peace within my soul. 'Overcome something': The magazine said Aydian embodies the values they are looking for in their annual Ultimate Guy Search - active, thoughtful and somebody who readers can learn something from . On his application Aydian said he may always battle with his body but being healthy is his key to 'finding peace' History in the making: If he wins, Aydian would make history as the magazine's first transgender cover star . 'Although I may always have some kind of battle with my body, I continue to work every day for a happy peace within.' He adds: 'On days "off" I love to go with my wife, Jenilee, out on hikes around the Pacific North West. 'Although I also love my day to day routines, smashing through thresholds and sculpting the body, there is nothing quite like the beauty being outside can do to a person. 'I always have this sense of discovery and drive through my hikes that is unlike anything in the gym or the track.' Though the public vote only counts for 10 per cent of the vote, Aydian is confident he has what it takes to win over the magazine's judging panel. If he wins he would follow Iraq war veteran and amputee Noah Galloway, who clinched the top spot last year .
target: Aydian Dowling has 40,000 votes - 30,000 more than the man in 2nd place .
  He transitioned in 2009, lives in Oregon with his wife of 3 years Jenilee .
  Men's Health competition looks for a 'well-rounded, health-conscious guy who has overcome some challenges in his life and can teach others'