TwinsUK Male Twin Stories: Reflections on identity, individuality and life as a twin
30th July 2026 – by Paul Porter
As part of our TwinsUK Male Twin Stories, we are sharing experiences from our male twin participants to better understand what being a twin means throughout life, and why it is important for male twins to be represented in research.
In this story, one participant reflects on the complexity of being a twin, the lifelong bond with his twin brother, and how his experience has shaped his understanding of identity and individuality.
“Being a twin is complex”
When asked what it is like being a twin, he explains that the most obvious response is:
“Well, I’ve always been a twin, so I don’t know anything else.”
However, he reflects that being a twin is much more complex than that, with both positive and challenging experiences.
“Being a twin is complex; it has good and bad parts. In childhood we were always together, dressed alike, I always had a playmate and a friend. We would fight and argue but there was always a depth to our relationship that didn’t exist with my three other siblings.”
He describes how being an identical twin often meant being viewed as part of a pair rather than as an individual.
“As a child, being a twin is a novelty to many, especially being an identical twin. But also, being labelled a twin made me feel I was missing or lacking something.”
As he grew older, he realised this was connected to developing his own sense of individuality.
“You were often not an individual but part of a double act.”
He reflects that, although this was sometimes difficult, there were also many positive aspects to being a twin.
“The flip side is that I’ve also felt very lucky to be a twin. It is unusual and different, despite everything I’ve said above, I wouldn’t change it.”
He recently celebrated a significant birthday and, for the first time, he and his twin brother had separate celebrations.
“I absolutely loved mine, although I also felt a bit guilty that my brother was unable to attend.”
A lifelong relationship
Reflecting on his relationship with his twin brother, he describes a close bond built through shared experiences.
“I love my twin brother, and he is definitely the closest to me out of my siblings.”
Growing up, they shared almost everything:
“We shared everything as kids — toys, clothes, bedrooms, schoolrooms and friends. Our lives up until we left home for university were a shared experience.”
He believes these experiences helped create a strong connection between them. Now aged 60, he recognises that their lives have naturally changed as they have developed their own families, careers and friendships.
He also reflects on the expectations society often places on twins, and how these can sometimes feel limiting.
“Perhaps if I have an issue with being a twin, it is not with my twin brother, but how society expects twins to behave and be.”
He recalls attending a fundraiser for a diabetic twins’ study where many twins were dressed identically.
“Almost all of them were dressed identically, even haircuts – I thought it was bizarre. It felt like a freak show.”
For him, the challenge is not his relationship with his twin, but the assumptions people sometimes make about twins.
“So many times, we are asked about telepathy and feeling each other’s pain. For heaven’s sake it is so lame and boring.”
How being a twin has influenced his life
When asked whether being a twin has influenced his life, his answer is clear:
“If you read the above, then the answer must be yes.”
He reflects that his family may still see him and his brother as twins first and individuals second, although outside of family life he feels being a twin is simply one interesting part of who he is.
“Being a twin is seen as an interesting aspect to my life, but not a defining feature.”
He adds:
“Answering these questions has really made me think about it and obviously have a few gripes about being a twin. I’ve probably come across too negative as there are aspects that are great.”
Joining TwinsUK
He first heard about TwinsUK through his brother.
He and his twin brother have previously been involved in diabetes-related twin research, having both been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“One day research might lead to a cure or treatment.”
He decided to join TwinsUK because he felt the research was valuable and could help future generations. He had no concerns about joining, although time constraints have affected his ability to take part in studies.
Reflections on male twin participation
When asked about the importance of male twins taking part in research, he believes everyone has a role to play.
“I haven’t considered the gender aspect, everyone should think it important to take part in research – all for the common good.”
He believes that having a broad range of twin experiences represented is important to ensure research provides a complete picture.
When asked what he would say to other male twins who may be considering taking part, his message is simple:
“Take part, it may help you, your friends and family.”