In an unprecedented revelation, a conjoined twin, Lori Schappell, has opened up about how she and her brother, George, manage her romantic relationships and intimacy. At the age of 61, Lori and George are the oldest living conjoined twins, maintaining distinct, individual lives despite being physically joined at the head.
The pair also hold the distinction of being the first conjoined twins to openly identify as different genders, with George (born Dori) transitioning and embracing life as a man in 2007.
The siblings share 30% of their frontal lobe brain tissue and critical blood vessels, but despite their physical connection, they lead incredibly separate lives, showcasing unique individual identities, including separate romantic experiences.
Lori, as reported by The Sun, has dated in the past and she and her brother have creatively maneuvered through the inevitable awkwardness surrounding intimacy.
In her words, "I lost my virginity at the age of 23 to my second boyfriend. 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."
In a tragic twist of fate, Lori's fiancé was killed by a drunk driver just four months before their scheduled wedding in 2006.
The twins' distinct lives were featured in a 1997 Our Life documentary, providing an intimate look into their daily routines. During the interview, Lori expressed her longing for a family, stating, "I would love to have myself a family - a husband and children of mine."
George hadn't transitioned yet and chose to be known as Reba as the twins didn't want rhyming names. Born on September 18, 1961, the twins, joined at the head, have far surpassed the life expectancy predicted by doctors at the time of their birth. In Lori's words, "When we were born, the doctors didn't think we'd make 30, but we proved them wrong."
Defying all odds, Lori and George have led accomplished lives, with Lori becoming a bowling champion and George passionately pursuing country music.
