Challenging Gut Stigma

2 short presentations (10-15 mins each) on gut stigma and reasonable adjustments at work from two academics at Northumbria University Newcastle. Small group discussions on experiences of having gut conditions or supporting people with gut conditions, gut stigma, and potential solutions to tackling gut stigma at work and beyond. We will use creative activities in small groups such as using Dixit cards (visual storytelling cards) to reflect on our experiences/interest in gut stigma and a toilet mapping activity identifying accessible public toilets in Newcastle City Centre, and collective suggestions for reducing gut stigma and future sociological research.

An opportunity to share your experience of having a gut condition and shape the future of social research around gut stigma. This event is aimed at anyone with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other gut conditions, including those who are seeking a diagnosis. If you are interested in finding out more about gut stigma at work and beyond and shaping the future of academic research around gut stigma, please come along!

The event will involve creative activities and discussions alongside information from two Northumbria University Newcastle academics – Dr Órla Meadhbh Murray (Sociology) and Dr Elisabeth Griffiths (Law). We will explore stigma and discrimination against people with gut conditions at work and beyond and discuss potential collective solutions to navigating embarrassment, shame, and reasonable adjustments.

Attendees will be invited to participate in optional 1-2-1 follow-up discussions online to reflect on the workshop and their gut experiences to inform future sociological research around gut stigma - interview participants will be offered a £25 Love2Shop voucher after the interview to say thank you for your participation in the interview.

Dr Órla Meadhbh Murray, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Sociology, Northumbria University Newcastle.

Anyone 18+ who has a gut condition (diagnosed or seeking a diagnosis) or supports people with gut conditions e.g. health professionals and other support services.

People with IBD or IBS or other gut conditions, people seeking a diagnosis for IBD/IBS or other gut conditions, health professionals working with people with gut conditions, and other support services interested in supporting people with gut conditions.