Chinese Woman With Rare Condition Takes On Dual Roles Of ‘Mother’ And ‘Father’ – News18

Last Updated:January 06, 2025, 23:26 IST

The woman’s unusual situation has sparked widespread attention on mainland social media after she shared her condition

A 59-year-old Chinese woman with the rare condition of having two reproductive systems has taken on the dual roles of both “mother” and “father” to two sons from separate marriages.

Her unusual situation has sparked widespread attention on mainland social media after she shared her condition.

Born in Bishan county, Chongqing municipality, Liu, whose condition has gained attention, has lived a life full of unexpected developments.

Despite identifying as a woman on her identity card, Liu’s childhood was marked by physical changes that set her apart. She displayed preferences unusual for girls, such as wearing male clothes and sporting short hair. Schoolmates often confused her for a boy, even when she used the girls’ toilet, South China Morning Post reported.

At 18, Liu married a man named Tang, and within a year, they had a son together. However, not long after, Liu began to experience drastic changes in her body. A surge in androgenic hormones led to the development of male characteristics, including facial hair and a reduction in breast size.

She even developed male reproductive organs. Unable to cope with these changes, her husband divorced her, and Liu moved to a different county, where she worked in a shoe factory and lived as a man.

There, Liu met a female colleague, Zhou, who fell in love with him. Despite initial hesitation due to his condition, Liu eventually accepted Zhou’s love, and they married. However, legal obstacles arose, as Liu’s identity card still listed her as female, and homosexual marriage was not allowed in China.

Liu turned to her former husband, Tang, asking him to register a marriage with Zhou, offering to contribute more financially toward raising their son. Tang agreed, and after several years, Zhou became pregnant and gave birth to a boy.

Thus, Liu now has two sons: one who calls her “mum” and the other “dad”. Her story, first reported in 2005, has resurfaced on Chinese social media, drawing attention and sparking debate.

Many are astonished by the complexity of Liu’s life. One online user remarked, “My goodness, this is unbelievable!” while another commented, “She has such rich life experiences – being a woman and then a man, a mother and then a father.”

Despite offers from doctors for physical check-ups, Liu has declined, citing the high cost of gender-confirmation surgery. As a result, the gender listed on his ID card has not changed.