So often, ableist comments are made and disabilities made to be the butt of a joke. And that’s not okay because real people live with those conditions and you’re adding to the stigma.
Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK started it’s second season this week and I was so excited to watch it. That was until during the episode when Ru Paul and Michelle Visage made some catty insults, using stoma bags.
I’ll be honest with you, I have a pretty thick skin for comments like that. But that’s just me and comments like this are so damaging to the disability community and the stony community as a whole.
Why? Because it adds to the stigma that stomas are dirty, they smell, they’re a bad thing.
Let me tell you this, stoma’s aren’t dirty. They don’t smell. They save lives.
Stoma bags do not smell
This is such a common misconception and throw away comment. But stoma bags DO. NOT. SMELL.
They bags are designed specifically for this. They’re closed and have filters to stop it smelling.
The only times you’ll smell my bag is if it leaks (which shouldn’t be a common thing) OR I empty it in the toilet. And guess what, when anyone goes to the toilet for a poo it smells.
Stop adding to the stigma surrounding stoma bags
It’s really important to spread factually CORRECT information about all health conditions. It’s also important for big tv shows to not add to the stigma.
You don’t know who’s watching that show – people with a multitude of health conditions. People who, in the future, may need to have stoma surgery or have a friend or family member need a stoma.
If the only comments they’ve ever heard about colostomy bags is that they smell and are for old people, then they’re going to be scared and sad and feel like the odd one out
Shame on you Ru Pauls Drag Race
I say shame on you because Ru Pauls Drag Race is a show all about inclusivity. Well let me tell you this;
People of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations and background have stomas. And to have a show all about inclusivity make a hurtful comment about a real disability, effecting so many people, is a real shame.
Life with a stoma isn’t a bad thing
I’m over 6 years into life with a stoma, and nearly 10 years of living with IBD. I’m a huge advocate for saying your chronic illness doesn’t have to stop you, you can still LIVE your life to the fullest. If you want to find out more about living with a chronic illness, you can click here to read all about travelling with a chronic illness.
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