AEthan Dowding is an FTM transgender activist from Patchogue, Long Island. AEthan documented his own transition on YouTube as a way to voice his thoughts, fears, and successes; as well as offer a support mechanism for others looking to transition. His YouTube channel, A Lions Fears, quickly became popular and to date, has nearly 200 videos, reaches over 6,800 followers, and has more than 800,000 views. In 2011, AEthan was chosen as one of three LGBT persons to have their stories showcased on the Emmy Nominated "It Gets Better" Project on MTV. AEthan and his now wife, Jenilee, spoke of their soon to be wedding and the challenges transgendered couples face when planning to wed. 2011 also marked the year AEthan Launched Point5cc, the first of its kind, stealth clothing company designed to highlight transgender pride. Point5cc also supply free binders to those in need throughout the community and offers $1,000 scholarships, annually, for individual surgery funds. Point5cc is the first binder exchange program that has been adopted by LGBT centers around the USA and its clothing has been worn by notable advocates such as Dan Savage of the It Gets Better Project, and Buck Angel. Point5cc is also a special feature on the Matthew Shepard Foundation youth website called Matthews Place. Most recently AEthan presented to his peers on the topic of Masculinizing Your Body at the 2013 Southern Comfort Conference, in Atlanta, GA; which followed his 2012 presentation on the topic of Emotional Transition. AEthan had a lot of mainstream attention for his nomination for "Mr Trans Man 2013." Although he did not win he is the most recongnized contestant from the event. AEthan continues his mission to help others by answering hundreds of emails a month and documenting his ongoing transition.
