Conjoined twins occur due to a partial separation of an early embryo, forming two individuals, as explained by Mayo Clinic.
This results in a physical connection, often in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis, and sometimes involves the sharing of internal organs.
In a recently resurfaced interview, two conjoined twins have become viral sensations as they discussed their unique lifestyle.
One of the twins has revealed that they kept their true gender a secret from their sister for over forty years...
Lori and George Schappell, aged 62, hailing from Pennsylvania, USA, hold the title of the oldest living conjoined twins worldwide.
Despite being joined at the head, they have managed to lead separate lives successfully.
They share 30% of their frontal lobe brain tissue and vital blood vessels, a rare condition referred to as craniopagus twinning.
Per the Guiness World Records: "They are craniopagus twins, which means they have partially fused skulls, sharing vital blood vessels and 30% of their brain (the frontal lobe and parietal lobe). This is the rarest form of conjoined twinning, representing only 2-6% of cases."
Transgender Conjoined Twin Reveals Decades-Long Secret Desire Hidden From SisterLori stands at 5ft 1in and is able-bodied, while George, at 4ft 4in, suffers from spina bifida, leaving him unable to walk.
To aid in their mobility, Lori assists George by pushing a wheelchair-like stool.
"Would we be separated? Absolutely not," George said in a 1997 documentary. "My theory is: why fix what is not broken?"
Despite encountering challenges, such as Lori's heartbreaking loss of her fiancé in a car accident, the twins have persisted.
Speaking to The Sun, she confessed that her fiancé's death was 'devastating' and that she has only recently begun dating again.
"George looked after me. If it wasn't for him, I don't know if I could have lived through the heartbreak," she added.
The twins have surpassed initial institutionalization, pursued education, and even triumphed in a legal battle for Lori's enrollment in secretarial college.
In their individual endeavors, Lori works in a hospital laundry room, while George finds solace in reading and enjoying music.
They also participate in distinct activities; Lori excels in ten-pin bowling, and George pursues a career as a country and western singer.
They describe how they 'zone out' while the other pursues their hobbies, managing to read or listen to music in the background.
Transgender Conjoined Twin Reveals Decades-Long Secret Desire Hidden From SisterThe twins humorously point out the idiosyncrasies of their condition, such as experiencing separate physical reactions to alcohol and preferring to wash separately.
George laughed: "It's the little things that intrigue people the most."
"I don't drink but Lori loves a vodka and orange occasionally. She can feel terrible with a hangover and I'll feel absolutely fine as our bodies are completely separate."
They've also mentioned their habit of washing separately, with one standing outside the tub shielded by a shower curtain.
"We don't always get a shower at the same time; in fact, hardly ever," Lori revealed to Guinness World Records.
When it comes to dating and intimacy, Lori had her first sexual experience at 23 and hopes to start a family.
Respecting Lori's privacy during her romantic engagements, George brings along books to read while she goes on dates.
Lori said: "When I went on dates, George would bring along books to read and, as we don't face each other, he could ignore any kissing."
"I don't see why being a conjoined twin should stop me having a love life and feeling like a woman."
Despite their extraordinary situation, Lori is resolute in her pursuit of a satisfying romantic life.
In the 1997 documentary interview for Our Life, she commented: "I would love to have myself a family – a husband and children of mine."
George added: "Well, he [Lori's future husband] would be like a brother-in-law to me that is it."
"They can do whatever they do and I'll act like I'm not even there. I would block out."
Transgender Conjoined Twin Reveals Decades-Long Secret Desire Hidden From SisterFormerly known as Lori and Dori, the twins underwent a significant change when Dori disclosed his male identity in 2007 and adopted the name George.
This marked them as the initial instance of same-sex conjoined twins identifying with distinct genders.
George, in an interview with The Sun, shares that he had always been aware of his true gender.
"I have known from a very young age that I should have been a boy," George admits. "I loved playing with trains and hated girly outfits. I kept my desire to change sex hidden – even from Lori – for many years."
He also discloses the manner in which he revealed his identity to his sister.
"It was so tough, but I was getting older and I simply didn't want to live a lie. I knew I had to live my life the way I wanted," he says.
Lori remains in full support of her brother, adding: "Obviously it was a shock when Dori changed to George, but I am so proud of him."
"It was a huge decision but we have overcome so much in our lives and together we are such a strong team. Nothing can break that."
Lori concludes: "When we were born, the doctors didn't think we'd make 30, but we proved them wrong."
"We have learned so much in the last 50 years and will continue living life to the full."
