1. Emphasize Individuality: Present the conjoined twins as separate individuals, each with their own thoughts, feelings, and personalities. Avoid referring to them as a single entity or using collective pronouns like "they" or "them" unless both twins share the same thought.
2. Provide Context: Briefly introduce the twins' physical characteristics, such as being conjoined at birth, in a manner that conveys factual information without sensationalizing their condition.
3. Focus on Character Traits: Develop their personalities, motivations, and backgrounds just like any other character in the story. Portray their unique interests, talents, and challenges, highlighting their individual traits rather than solely their physical connection.
4. Avoid Prying: Refrain from delving deeply into the medical aspects of their conjoinedness or using it as a defining aspect of their characters. Treat them with the same privacy and respect you would afford any other character.
5. Resist Stereotyping: Avoid falling into common stereotypes associated with conjoined twins. Don't portray them solely as tragic figures or as mere curiosities. Subvert expectations by showcasing their strengths and resilience.
6. Show Empathy and Sensitivity: Approach their portrayal with empathy and inclusivity. Be considerate of their feelings and perspectives as individuals, and depict their interactions with others in a respectful manner.
7. Collaborate with Sensitivity Readers: If you're writing a story that features conjoined twins as characters, consider collaborating with sensitivity readers who have firsthand knowledge or expertise on the subject to ensure an accurate and sensitive portrayal.
8. Respect Autonomy: In dialogues or scenes involving the twins, allow each twin to have their own voice, expressions, and actions. Avoid making one twin subservient to the other.
9. Avoid Tokenism: Incorporating conjoined twins into your story shouldn't be done for mere representation purposes. Ensure that their presence contributes to the overall narrative in a meaningful way.
10. Empowerment Through Narrative: Use the opportunity to explore themes of acceptance, individuality, and overcoming adversity through their experiences. Empower them as characters with agency and significance beyond their physical condition.
Remember, the key is to treat conjoined twins just as you would any other character, with respect, depth, and sensitivity, and to avoid reducing their identities solely to their conjoined nature.