Amazing Race's first transgender contestant hails from Nova Scotia

A Nova Scotia man will make history with his upcoming appearance on the reality TV show The Amazing Race Canada.

Hamilton Elliott, 20, will be the first transgender person to appear on either the American or Canadian version of the hit show. He'll be on with his fiancée, Michaelia Drever, 19.

Elliott is a long-time fan of the show and used to watch the American version with his family. His father encouraged him to apply as a contestant.

Elliott says he is appearing on the show for a few reasons.

"I ran the race for my family and friends, and I did it for transgender people," he said.

Elliott hopes to provide inspiration and comfort for transgender people, and those considering transitioning.

"I just want people to live their life the way they want to live it and not waste it," he said.

Season three of the show begins on Wednesday on CTV.

'She's been with me through this whole thing'

Elliott and Drever met in Centreville, N.S., when they were 14 and started dating in high school as Elliott began his transition.

Drever accompanied him for the surgery, to medical appointments, and with moral support. She administers his testosterone injections, which he needs every two weeks.

"She's been with me through the whole thing," said Elliott.

He began his transition shortly before turning 16 and completed it by age 18.

Elliott says it was a smooth process. He entered Grade 11 as Hanna; he was Hamilton when Grade 12 started.

"I just showed up and they called me a different name," he said.

He credits the school's principal for spreading the word among the staff about what Elliott was going through and says people have been very supportive of his transition.

"If anybody says anything to me negatively, [Michaelia's] always there to say something," said Elliott.

Mental and physical challenges

Elliott found the show mentally and physically taxing. Contestants have to figure out clues and the logistics of travelling, plus sprint from spot to spot. 

"It's insane," he said.

Plus, the whole thing is filmed. Elliott said contestants try not to look too foolish. "You're kind of like, 'Screw the television and everybody watching,' because you still have to do your human emotions too," he said.

Elliott didn't plan to tell other contestants he was transgender, but it turned out to be a non-issue when they did learn. 

With the Amazing Race adventure completed, the couple plan to embark on a more profound journey: they're getting married next summer in Nova Scotia.