X-Positivity
Transmission & Vectors
X-Positivity is the result of inheriting two of the 'expression' alleles of the X-Gene. Usually, at least one parent of a child with X-Positivity will be X-Positive or an X-Carrier themselves, but X-Positivity can also occur through random genetic mutation.
Causes
X-Positivity is caused by inheriting an 'active' version of the X-Gene, from parents who are X-Positive or are X-Carriers, or from random genetic mutation. The gene allows for the stable development and expression of 'mutant' traits that would normally not be possible. The ‘X-Gene’ is actually three connected genes that determine what kind of mutation will occur.
Symptoms
Almost any superpower imaginable can be caused by X-Positivity. The three interconnected X-Genes determine what powers will be expressed, X1 results in a passive or ‘invisible’ mutation (one that only affects the individual and may not be detectable without genetic testing), X2 results in an active mutation (one that can affect others and can be hidden), and X3 results in a physical mutation (one that is immediately obvious and that may be controllable, e.g. shapeshifting, and may affect others).
Commonly, X-Positivity will manifest at the onset of puberty, but X3 mutations may be obvious at birth.
Treatment
The powers created by X-Positivity can sometimes be highly dangerous, and need to be trained to ensure they do not cause harm to the individual or others. Training can be highly difficult, but it is usually extremely necessary.
Sequela
At the end of puberty, most X-Positive individuals age up to sixty percent slower than those who are X-Negative.
Epidemiology
X-Positivity is constantly present in the majority of populations. Correlations have been drawn between increases in the births of X-Positive children and environmental contamination such as following the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters, but no definitive links have been determined.
History
Around 3% of the population of Earth are speculated to be X-Positive at any one time. Many X-Positive people have made it into the public eye, to varying degrees of acceptance. In retrospect, it is clear that some celebrities and public figures throughout history have been 'closeted' X-Positive.
Humans have strangely high levels of X-Positivity. In other species, such as Xandarians, X-Positive individuals make up only around 0.001% of the population. The only similar levels of X-Positivity to humans is in Centurians, with around 1.5% of their recorded population being X-Positive. However, reports of X-Positivity in Centurians may not be accurate due to lack of awareness of the condition.
Humans have strangely high levels of X-Positivity. In other species, such as Xandarians, X-Positive individuals make up only around 0.001% of the population. The only similar levels of X-Positivity to humans is in Centurians, with around 1.5% of their recorded population being X-Positive. However, reports of X-Positivity in Centurians may not be accurate due to lack of awareness of the condition.
Cultural Reception
Colloquially, X-Positive people are known as mutants and have been alternately perceived as dangerous, benign, and gifted. X-Positive people have often been blocked from voting, owning property, and serving in military. Even so, positive or neutral perceptions of X-Positivity were more common until the 1950s and 60s, when 'mutant registration' policies began to be introduced. Though these policies have gone in and out of vogue over the years, it has been rare for governments to designate X-Positivity as a protected trait. Erik Magnussen and Charles Xavier began campaigning for the 'Anti-Mutant Discrimination Act' passed in New Zealand to also be passed in the USA and UK in 1967, and the X-Men have done great amounts for improving public perceptions towards X-Positivity and individuals with the trait.
The singer Allison Blair, better known as Dazzler, has been openly X-Positive since 2001 and her use of her abilities in concerts have helped promote positive perceptions of mutants.
The singer Allison Blair, better known as Dazzler, has been openly X-Positive since 2001 and her use of her abilities in concerts have helped promote positive perceptions of mutants.
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