The topic at hand is about the representation of ostomies on television, specifically a scene from the Fox series "Gang Related." In this episode, a character with an ostomy is shown in a moment of frustration, removing their pouch, which reveals the stoma and output. This level of realism is not commonly seen on network TV, and it sparked curiosity among viewers, especially those with ostomies, about how others perceived the scene.
Here are some insights and advice shared by viewers:
1. Many viewers felt the scene was authentic and appreciated the respectful portrayal of an ostomy. They believe it helps raise awareness and understanding, as information about ostomies is often limited.
2. For those who missed the episode, one viewer suggested downloading it through Isohunt, which requires the free BitTorrent client µTorrent.
3. Other media that positively depict people with ostomies were recommended:
- The film "The Fault in Our Stars," which tells a teen cancer story and offers encouraging messages about life after surgery.
- A UK TV show, "Embarrassing Bodies," features an episode with a long-term colostomate living confidently. This episode is available on YouTube.
- Another UK TV show, "The Undateables," includes an episode about a woman with an ileostomy who successfully navigates dating.
4. Members expressed that more realistic media exposure could help dispel misconceptions, such as the need to justify using accessible restrooms. They hope it will help people view an ostomy as a "new beginning" rather than something negative.
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