What are you looking for?

I've had a sudden surge in traffic to my blog in the past few weeks, and was wondering why, so I checked out the web statistics and traffic sources to see what the top search words are that are leading people to this site.

The top searches leading you here?

Variations on "AIS women" or "AIS woman" (no surprise there). And then some other variations which I found telling... you type in words like "AIS women tall", "super models", "hot", "Elizabeth I", and most recently, "Caster Semenya". I guess none of these are surprising, but I thought it was interesting to see that people seem to be trying to confirm or negate what they've heard about women with AIS - that they are tall, or particularly attractive, or perhaps great athletes. People wonder whether Queen Elizabeth I or Joan of Arc really had the condition. They wonder if this is what Caster has, etc.

What is it that you are looking for? What would you like to know about AIS or women with AIS? I can't speak for all of us of course, but can tell you what my experience has been, and what I've learned from other women I've met. Feel free to post your questions.

The Myth of the AIS "Glamazons"

Something is bugging me about the popular press portrayal of women with AIS and/or CAIS. We're said to all look alike: tall, striking looks, perfect skin, beautiful hair, and a body that just won't stop...

Every day there's some blogger speculating about another super model or actress who must have AIS... "She totally must have it! Look how tall and curvy she is. That can't be 'natural'."

And just as often the speculation is followed by some snide remarks... "I'd hit that!" one guy will exclaim. "Huhuhhuh... she's a man!" pipes in another. "Well she certainly looks a little man-like if you look closely," comes another comment.

Beavis and Butthead's comments aside, everyone seems to be latching on to this idea that we all look the same. When in reality, there is much variety among the CAIS and partial AIS set as there is among XX women. Though one might be able to say we are taller than average as a whole, I'd say that's where the similarities end.

We are short, tall and average height. We are curvy, plump, slight, and slim. We are cute girl-next-door types, gorgeous bombshells, and Plain Janes. We are gay, straight, and bisexual. Some of us girly, others more rugged. Some of us are athletes. Some of us models. Some of us teachers, executives, postal workers, secretaries, or stay-at-home moms.

We are in virtually all ways but genetic, just like all the other women you see every day. You may have even met some of us and never even known it.

So stop the hunt--please. You're really not getting anywhere...