We stripped off to make our ‘invisible’ disabilities visible
WHEN Jessica Logan was berated for using a disabled toilet, she knew she had to take action.
She had an “invisible” disability – a stoma bag, following ulcerative colitis – so decided to campaign to show that not all conditions can be seen.
Jessica has staged photoshoots nationwide where people strip to reveal a disability and write slogans on their bodies including names they have been called.
She said: “People with a disability are under-represented in the media and the fashion world. So that’s why I called my campaign Making the InvisibleVisible.
“The photoshoots have made these people feel more worthy, beautiful and that being themselves is enough.
“They have sent me messages saying that it has helped them gain confidence and feel better about themselves.”
The shoots feature in a current calendar and have been a great success.
She continued: “If you don’t have a walking stick, or if you’re not in a wheelchair, people can be quite judgmental because they don’t understand. I want to raise awareness to hopefully educate others and prevent the discrimination.”
Jessica, 30, lives in Tamworth, Staffordshire, with driver husband Dale, 33. She was diagnosed with acute severe ulcerative colitis in July 2017.
Five days later she was fitted with the bag then had four major operations in 12 months. She had to quit a successful banking career due to her illness, which had a big impact on her mental health.
‘One lady ranted at me about how I shouldn’t be using the disabled toilet’
Jessica said: “I couldn’t leave the house without having an accident, so I couldn’t have a social life.
“I was going to the toilet 30 times a day and I was in excruciating pain. I felt like I was in a prison. It was a complete shock for me having the stoma surgery and I felt like I didn’t want to live anymore.
“I was 25 at the time and body image was important – but I felt disgusting having the stoma bag.”
After the incident at the disabled toilet, she felt she had to take action: “I was given filthy looks. One lady contacted me afterwards on social media and ranted about how I shouldn’t be using the toilet.
“It was upsetting and made me realise there must be a lot of people out there who have disabilities people can’t see.”
Jessica, who has been shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards, says dozens of people have taken part in the shoots: “They have written words on their body to describe their disabilities. They have also written names that they were called.
“My own stomach is full of scars after surgeries but I’m proud of these as they tell my story and I want to show others that they can be proud of their scars too.
“After taking part people feel so empowered and embrace their disability.
“One lady was worried about getting a mastectomy done and all the other people at the shoot were supportive.
“She’s a completely different person now and it’s all thanks to doing the photoshoot.”
● More details can be found by visiting makingtheinvisiblevisible.org.uk