Conjoined Twins Carmen and Lupita Andrade, 25, Get Candid About Carmen’s Marriage and Much More

“We’ve Always Been Underestimated”

For most of their lives, Carmen and Lupita Andrade have been used to the world staring at them, questioning them, underestimating them. Now 25, the Mexican-born, Connecticut-raised conjoined twins have not only defied the odds medically and socially, but they’ve also shattered expectations of what it means to live—and love—on their own terms.

In October 2024, Carmen married Daniel McCormack in an intimate ceremony on Lover’s Leap Bridge, New Milford. But their wedding, instead of putting rumors to rest, only fueled new waves of public curiosity and misconception. Now, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Carmen, Lupita, and Daniel open up about love, boundaries, and the questions they wish people would stop asking.

1. Growing Up Under the Spotlight

Carmen and Lupita share parts of their ribcage, circulatory, digestive, and reproductive systems, but each has her own heart, lungs, and stomach. Doctors warned that separation surgery was too dangerous, and the sisters agreed: “We’d rather live together than risk losing each other.”

Their childhood and teen years were marked by both support and spectacle. “They made the kids watch a video about us in the auditorium, so everyone would know who we were,” Lupita recalls, rolling her eyes. Carmen laughs, “They did it in eighth grade, right before the end of school. It was weird, but at least our friends were there, so we felt pretty comfortable.”

Still, being conjoined twins meant that even basic medical care could be a challenge. Both suffer from endometriosis, a painful condition that affects their daily lives. “Doctors are scared to touch us—especially with anesthesia,” Carmen explains. “I get it, but sometimes I want to scream, ‘How am I supposed to go to work? Are you going to pay my bills?’”

2. The Questions They’re Tired Of

Since Carmen and Daniel’s relationship became public, the couple has faced an onslaught of invasive questions—most of them about their private lives. “I don’t understand why people need to know about my private parts to humanize us,” Carmen says, exasperated.

Lupita, meanwhile, is tired of people questioning her feelings for Daniel. “I love him as a brother. That’s it. People keep asking if I’ll ever love him romantically, and it’s just weird.”

Daniel, 28, is equally blunt: “People are obsessed with sex. It’s nobody’s f—ing business.”

3. Clearing Up the Misconceptions

One of the biggest misconceptions, Carmen says, is that her marriage is doomed or fake. “People think Daniel is cheating, or that he’ll leave me soon, or that he’s just here for the money,” she says with a laugh. “But I don’t have any money!”

Despite their social media presence—over 256,000 YouTube subscribers and thousands of Instagram followers—fame hasn’t made them rich. “We’re careful with sponsors. We only accept what we’d actually use,” Carmen says. “It’s supplemental income at best. We still work 50 hours a week to pay the bills.”

Lupita wants to set the record straight about Daniel, too. “People think I hate him because of some running joke online. But honestly, I just want my sister to be happy. He wouldn’t be around if we didn’t get along.”

4. A Marriage Built on Respect

How does intimacy work in such a unique relationship? “Communication,” Carmen says simply. “I’m not super affectionate, and if Lupita isn’t comfortable with something—whether it’s cuddling or a topic of conversation—we just respect that.”

Lupita shrugs, “I have headphones and a phone. I don’t care.”

There’s no jealousy, no drama—just a deep understanding of each other’s boundaries. “Society expects constant affection in relationships, but honestly, we just joke around most of the time,” Carmen adds.

5. Why Daniel Stood Out

Their love story began on Hinge during the pandemic. Lupita was the one who encouraged Carmen to give Daniel a chance. “She’s not great at picking guys,” Lupita teases. “I told her, ‘Choose that one. He seems harmless.’ Now they’ve been together almost five years.”

What made Daniel different? “He asked about our dog,” Lupita recalls. Carmen agrees, “That was it for me. He cared about my dog.”

Daniel says the connection was instant. “She’s adorable, she’s funny, and we both love animals. I just love my wife.”

Their first date? “Honestly, it was boring. They talked for hours and were both really sweaty,” Lupita laughs. “It was summer!” Carmen adds, giggling.

6. Life Beyond the Headlines

Despite their busy schedules, Carmen and Lupita make time for their passions, including acting. They’re excited about their upcoming role in Brandon Rogers’ “Night in the Park,” premiering September 19. “We love projects like this,” Carmen says. “It was such a fun experience.”

But beyond the fame and the headlines, the twins hope their story inspires understanding, not just curiosity. “You don’t have to be scared or angry about differences,” Carmen says. “Just accept and move on.”

Lupita adds, “Not every disabled person is here for your education or curiosity. We’re not advocates by default. We’re just people.”

7. The Message They Want You to Hear

For Carmen, Lupita, and Daniel, life is about more than overcoming obstacles or answering strangers’ questions. It’s about love, respect, and living authentically—even when the world doesn’t understand.

“We’ve always been underestimated,” Carmen repeats. “But we’re happy. And that’s all that matters.”

If you take anything from their story, let it be this: True happiness isn’t about fitting in—it’s about embracing who you are, loving fiercely, and respecting the boundaries of others. The rest is just noise.