Kathy's Story

[Received Nov 2001]

I'm not sure if you would want to print my story but I've never really had an issue with my AIS. Both my sister and I were affected by the condition and we were told at a young age that we might not be able to have children although at the time my mom didn't know what the "family condition" actually was. Both my sister and I had double hernias at birth and had our non functioning tissue removed later in life: she was 17 and I was 27. The only weird thing to me was when I had my chromosomes mapped and at the top it said "genotypic male with a female name". I knew what that meant but when I looked in the mirror I didn't look different and I didn't feel any different.

My sister and I have talked about our condition many times over the years and we are both completely comfortable with it. I've also seen several psychologists and psychiatrists who wondered if I had unresolved issues pertaining to my condition and I reassured them all that I didn't. Both my sister and I are married and have adopted children. Neither of us has ever had a gender or identity crisis. Our husbands are quite aware of who we are and mine is always saying, "I can't believe you don't get your period because you are so extremely moody." I swear, I'm more female then some of my genetically female friends!

I just wanted to write this so that parents with young children that have this condition don't feel like there has to be years of searching, sadness and heartache. I'm not sure what my parents did differently when I was growing up but my condition has NEVER gotten in the way of what I want out of life. I am who I am regardless of what some doctor tells me or what some blood test shows me.

Thanks for reading my story.

Kathy - United States