The multiverse is real,
and we manage to establish a connection with one Earth 2! When explorers make contact, they find that it is very similar to our own Earth 1. And luckily, the people there are willing to collaborate with a study of the differences between the two Earths as long as the research is shared with both peoples.
- The first discovery is that on Earth 2, humans share the exact same genetic makeup as humans from Earth 1.
- The next discovery, however, is that genders on Earth 2 are the opposite of what they are on Earth 1.
This was, of course, discovered when two scientists from opposite sides tried to have sex in order to create the first multi-versal baby.
At first there is confusion as people from both Earths believe that the people from the other Earth must all be transgender.
After further discussion and research though, it is confirmed that most people from both Earths are cis, and trans people comprise a similar minority of both populations.
The difference is purely social and verbal.
The terminology simply developed in reverse, leading to the words for "women/men," "female/male," "feminine/masculine," etc... to be switched around in all languages. And reserved cultural differences created primarily (what on Earth 1 would be called) Matriarchal societies and women-centric cultures where men were primarily responsible for children, until a recent egalitarian swing in many countries. Even things like fashion and body language are reversed on Earth 2.
This, of course, would have been discovered much sooner had both research teams not been decked in full protective gear whenever interacting with anyone from the other Earth.
Now that a couple have exchanged bodily fluids together and undergone quarantine with no ill effects, however, the safety measures begin to drop. Soon it is deemed safe for explorers and even untrained personell to visit the other Earth for short periods of time as though simply visiting another country on their own Earth!
Pretty cool—but...
There is now rising confusion not over biology, but cultural accomodations. With more people beginning to visit and for longer periods, there also comes the need to participate in the cultural practices and rules of the other Earth—or should the other Earth allow visitors to practice their own customs while there, and just inform their own population of those customs to avoid more confusion?
- Many places on both Earths still have gendered restrooms, and now people are debating if rules should be changed to accommodate the inter-galactic visitors, or if restrooms should all just be relabeled unisex.
- Sports are a big deal on both Earths, and some are floating the idea of introducing inter-galactic competitions. But with the average popularity, rules, uniforms, etc of women's vs men's sports switched on Earth 2, it would take some serious adjustments to host many gendered sporting event such as gymnastics, swimming, or volleyball.
- Some people are beginning to look for love on the other Earth, and those two scientists are already appealing to be allowed to marry. But there is concern from their respective countries about where/how they will live and raise their children (they still plan on having at least 1).
I'm sure there are many other potential issues that could arise as well, but this is plenty long enough, so I digress...
What do you think?
- How would you react or what would you support your country doing in such a bizarre scenario? Would you have any strong stance—against or for things changing or merging more together? Or not care much either way?
- Would you like to meet visitors from Earth 2 in your daily life? Would you like to visit Earth 2 yourself (assuming it's affordable)? And would you visit just for short periods of time like a few hours, or for longer like a week?
- Would it be difficult to learn and keep the terminology straight when interacting with people from Earth 2, even though the language barrier would only be over that one concept (gender)?
- Would you ever consider a relationship with someone from Earth 2 if you met someone who caught your interest? If so, where/how do you think you would settle down if it worked out with them?
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