A series of bodybuilding and powerlifting tournaments specifically for transgender athletes is being launched by a group from Georgia.

The move by The International Association of Trans Bodybuilders came about after transgender bodybuilder Josey Lynn Davis, who had previously competed in 15 male National Physique Committee competitions, came out as a transgender woman seeking competition.

Davis made history as the first trans woman to compete in the event and impressed to the extent that she placed first in the women's bikini division.

“It was like being born,” she said of her experience. “Working toward this was such a goal, to come out of my shell, to prove to myself that I can be confident.

Bucky Motter, a 58-year-old former bodybuilder who organizes the event — and who identifies as trans and gender nonconforming - said: “We’re trying to support trans people around the world to compete in bodybuilding and powerlifting.”