“I’m My Own Twin,” Model Shares the Unique Condition of Being Fused With Her Twin Sister in the Womb

Twins often feel like they have a special connection, but for one California woman, the connection is particularly visceral — she is her own twin. Taylor Muhl, a singer, and model, discovered that she has a rare medical condition called chimerism, meaning she has two sets of DNA, each with the genetic code to make a separate person.

She discovered her condition because of her unique birthmark.

Taylor Muhl’s discovery of her unique condition began with a birthmark. She was born with a unique birthmark down the center of her body, which made one side of her torso and back appeared redder in color. It was in the shape of different skin pigmentation divided by a line running down her torso. For years, she was told that it was just a birthmark and nothing to worry about.

However, as she grew older, she began to experience continual health issues, including autoimmune disorders.

The left side of her body is larger than the right side.

In a candid blog post, she revealed, “Everything on the left side of my body is slightly larger than the right side.” This admission was followed by disclosing a unique dental feature — a double tooth on the left side of her mouth.

“I have a double tooth in the left side of my mouth and many sensitivities and allergies to foods, medications, supplements, jewelry, and insect bites.”

She discovered that she is her own twin.

Muhl’s curiosity about her condition led her to research her symptoms and consult with doctors. After undergoing genetic testing, she discovered that she has tetragametic chimerism, a rare medical condition that results in one person having two sets of DNA.

In Muhl’s case, she absorbed her twin in the womb, which led to her unique condition. Doctors have told Muhl that she has “two immune systems and two bloodstreams,” which can cause various health issues throughout her life.

In an interview, Muhl expressed, “My first reaction was shock.” The gravity of the situation was not lost on Muhl, who went on to reveal, “Then my second reaction was sadness because I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! I could’ve gone through life with a twin, with a sibling that hopefully I could’ve been close to.’ There was some sadness.” The emotional response was palpable, highlighting the profound impact that the revelation had on Muhl.

She was finally able to make sense of her condition.

“I actually felt relief,” Muhl shared. “I felt freedom because for the first time in my life, I knew why my stomach looks the way it does. This is why I’ve had so many health challenges.”

“I felt like for the first time, I could really breathe. Prior to that, every doctor said my stomach must have just been a birthmark... Finally, this is making some sense.” “I don’t have to hide who I am anymore, and it’s a great feeling,” she added.

She wants to challenge physical stereotypes in the entertainment industry.

Despite the challenges that come with her condition, Muhl has embraced her uniqueness and has become an advocate for diversity.

“I felt it was important to show my entire physical demarcation because in the entertainment business, there’s an overwhelming amount of pressure to appear physically perfect or within a certain physical stereotype,” she explained at the time.

“I hope by showing my own imperfections I can inspire others who have physical abnormalities or who are different, to never let that stop them from pursuing their dreams, from loving themselves unconditionally and to know they’re beautiful just the way they are.”

But Taylor Muhl’s unique condition is just one example of the incredible diversity of the human body. Stay tuned for 15 more stories of people with truly one-of-a-kind features.