In 2013, Grant was diagnosed with a debilitating disease called Ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the colon and rectum. It greatly altered his quality of life causing him great anxiety and depression. His daily living was effected as he had to consistently worry about the symptoms of the condition and how to avoid accidents.

He was eventually given the option to acquire a colostomy bag (after many failed attempts to medicate) and, in 2017, Sid the stoma was born. A stoma is where an “opening is formed by drawing the healthy end of the colon through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing it into place.” [1]

In conversation with him, he found that this ultimately gave him a new lease of life. Although it often had a negative effect on his existence in areas such as his relationships, finances, mental health, and physical well-being, it was still (he considers) one of the greatest steps in making his diagnosis liveable.

The social challenges that come with a bag were also discussed. Like how it effected his work and his friendships, the issues that arise from having a hidden disability, and how he had to meticulously manage his social life.

I found that Grant wanted people to have a greater understanding and empathy for people with bags and hidden disabilities in general. We discussed a time in which we were enjoying a day together (when I was a child) and a man confronted him about using a disabled restroom. We discussed how such events have an effect on those living with a hidden disability. How people often have an expectation for disabilities to be incredibly evident.

Grant and I talked about how best to approach a photoshoot. He wanted people to see him as a person before they see his disability.

After a long discussion, I began to photograph Grant. I used my notes to guide me in a direction that I felt he wanted, whilst receiving more comments about what he wanted to communicate. I decided to go in a direction that showed him simply existing. It was about him not being defined by his disability but instead showing it as something he simply must live with.

Shot on both instant format and medium format film, I felt my best image was the most candid representation.

For more information on Ulcerative Colitis please visit the NHS website at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/

For support with the topics discussed, please visit Crohn’s and Colitis UK at: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

Source

[1] Colostomy (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colostomy (Accessed: 03 September 2023).