Woman forced to show bouncer stoma bag as he refused to let her in disabled loo
A woman was forced to show a bouncer her stoma bag after he refused to let her into the disabled toilets.
Lauren Parkes was enjoying a night out with friends in The Hangar in Wolverhampton when she needed to pop to the loo.
She had already used the disabled loo “a few times that night” and went this time with a friend.
But when she got there a security guard confronted the 25-year-old social media executive.
He had been turning people away from the disabled toilets and asked her why she needed to use it.
Nail salon refuses to serve disabled teen saying it 'doesn't do people like her'
However, even after she explained she had a disability the bouncer then demanded to know "what the issue was" in the shocking encounter.
Lauran has had a stoma bag since 2016 (Caters News Agency)
She was denied use of the disabled toilets despite having already used it that night (Caters News Agency)Lauren has suffered with Crohn’s disease since the age of 19 and had a stoma bag fitted in 2016.
Lauren said: "I had used disabled toilet already a few times that night and it was nice and easy as there wasn't anyone on the door.
"When I went with friend there was then a security man on the door as there were five people waiting to use the toilet and he was turning people away from the disabled toilet.
"He started asking me why do I need to use it so I told him I was disabled and that I needed to use it. He then asked me what my issue was and what's the matter.
Lauren pictured with her sister on holiday (Caters News Agency)"That's when I got my stoma bag out and said 'this is what is wrong with me' and he was a bit taken aback as I don't think he expected me to do that.
"He then wasn't going to let my friend in, but my friend has colitis and I said she is allowed in as she has colitis. Another bowel condition.
"I have never had an issue before, or have I ever been asked what is wrong with me.
"Showing the bouncer my stoma bag to use the toilet is something I never thought I would have to do.”
She said it was 'really disappointing' how security handled the incident (Caters News Agency)
Lauren has learned to love her body (Caters News Agency)Lauren had found it "quite scary" when she was first diagnosed, but has learned to love her body since.
'Disabled people are too often falling off the radar and it's costing lives'
She added: "I've never felt like I've had any issues going into disabled toilets before. I know I look normal from an outsider's view, but I still shouldn't be questioned about it as not all disabilities are visible.
“When you go into supermarkets now there are signs saying all disabilities aren't visible which is good.
"It's just really disappointing how security handled it, I felt like they were gatekeeping the toilets saying I didn't look disabled enough. I've never had this issue before with people saying these things using a toilet.
"When I showed him my bag it was quite empowering. Someone had to confront him and this was my way of confronting his wrongdoings. Luckily I am quite confident so I am happy to get it out, but someone else who may have an invisible disability probably wouldn't confront them.
"This is classed as discrimination under the equality act of 2010 - I was prevented from accessing a disabled toilet because I didn't look disabled enough and had to prove my disability after being questioned."
The Hangar has been approached for comment.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
