Do YOU see me? Louie Green Comedy’s story:

02 October, 2024

As a stand up comedian everyone’s goal is Live at the Apollo. Now thankfully I fulfilled that dream and was on the show, Row 26 Seat Number 28…

Yes, I was an audience member. It was one of the first times I had ventured out since my stoma surgery.

Before the show I needed to have a quick bag change and nipped into the disabled loo to do so. I left the toilet to be confronted by an angry wheelchair user, who ranted in front of about 100 people about how I was not entitled to use the disabled toilet.

I explained I had a colostomy bag and that I needed to use the facilities but this was not enough and I could feel the judgement from people around me.

This was the first time I felt society didn’t see me because of my stoma. I never felt so alone while being around so many people.’ No one should have to face rudeness and discrimination when trying to use the facilities they need, and situations like this make getting back to daily life daunting for people after stoma surgery. This Stoma Aware Day share your story to help raise awareness for people living with stomas.

Head to https://www.colostomyuk.org/campaigns/stoma-aware-day-2024-do-you-see-me/ to find our how to get involved