I was denied access to a disabled toilet – the bouncer would only let me in when I showed him with an ostomy bag
I was denied access to a disabled toilet on a night out with friends – the bouncer only let me in when I showed him with an ostomy bag, I’m furious
A woman has lashed out at a nightclub bouncer who only allowed her access to a disabled toilet when she showed him her ostomy bag.
Lauren Parkes, 25, from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, was enjoying a night out with friends when the incident happened earlier this month.
The social media executive has suffered from Crohn’s disease – which causes inflammation of the digestive system – since he was 19 and has had an ostomy pouch since 2016.
After arriving at Wolverhampton nightclub, Lauren says she initially had no problem accessing the disabled toilets in the facility.
She explained, “I had already been to the disabled toilet a few times that evening and it was nice and easy because no one was at the door.”
Lauren Parkes, 25, from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, was enjoying a night out with friends when the incident happened earlier this month
Pictured: Lauren – who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2016 – proudly shows off her ostomy pouch
However, when she returned later with a friend, Lauren was told by a bouncer that she couldn’t use the larger toilets.
She continued, “He turned people away from the disabled toilet.
“He started asking me why I have to use it, so I told him I was disabled and I had to use it.”
Lauren claims the bouncer then asked why she had the right to go to the toilet.
Aware that he probably wouldn’t believe her, Lauren showed him her ostomy pouch to end the argument.
She continued, “Then I pulled out my ostomy pouch and said, ‘this is what’s wrong with me'”.
“He was a little surprised because I don’t think he expected me to.”
After this, the man let Lauren go to the toilet – but tried to prevent her friend from following her.
Lauren pictured with her sister on a recent vacation. Crohn’s disease patient says she hopes staff will not discriminate against others with invisible illness in future
Lauren (pictured with friends at Wolverhampton nightclub) says she was “disappointed” in the way staff handled the situation
She said, ‘My friend has colitis and I said she could come in because she has colitis. Another intestinal disorder.
“I’ve never had a problem, or been asked what’s wrong with me.
“Showing the bouncer my ostomy bag to go to the bathroom is something I never thought I would have to do.”
Lauren went on to describe how “disappointed” she was with the nightclub’s handling of the situation.
She added: ‘I felt like they were guarding the toilets and saying I didn’t look handicapped enough.
Lauren (pictured on her graduation day) added, “I’m very confident so I’m happy to get it out there, but someone else with an invisible disability probably wouldn’t confront them.”
“I’ve never had this problem before with people saying these things while using a toilet.
“When I showed him my bag, it was very empowering. Someone had to confront him and this was my way of confronting his misdeeds.
“Fortunately, I’m very confident, so I’m glad I’m getting it out, but someone else who might have an invisible disability probably wouldn’t confront them.
“It was pretty scary when I was first diagnosed with]Crohn’s disease]but I’ve learned to love my body.”