Discrimination

[grodeylocks]

Has anyone here ever been discriminated against for being gluten free. I feel as though everywhere I go whenever I mention my problem I sometimes get the rolling eyes in the back of the head treatment. I was even recently denied being able to bring in my own food to an event at an A's baseball game. Is this even legal? I am just disgusted and to the point where if someone says the wrong thing to me again and associates my disease with being a wimp it's going to take a lot not to deck them out.

[vitaminme71]

I feel ya- I recently had to travel through a major airport and they would not allow anything that had packaged and labeled except for sunflower seeds. I specifically packed it knowing that the kiosks and restaurants were not gluten free. Fresh fruit and natural yogurt was not available either! Sorry for those dairy free people as well  The only thing they allowed through were sunflower seeds. So, I didn't totally starve but felt extremely discriminated against, especially after explaining that I'm Celiac.

 

Restaurants have cross-contamination a lot so eating out is rare for me. I, too, find that most places are not learned for Celiacs and gluten sensitivities. 95% of my experience has been the roll the eyes, or they forget to bring me a "gluten free" menu or make it sound like they care about us, when they don't. We aren't the fad dieters!

 

Until food places get on board for people with REAL health issues and NOT fad dieting, we must prepare otherwise...somehow. Planning ahead and researching places ahead has helped me. It is really annoying because I have better things to do with my time. I have found some communities online and some city forums promoting groups through Yahoo and Google. Meeting up with similar people has opened options with places who are gluten free and Celiac friendly!

 

The only thing I can suggest for you in environments like your experience, wear cargo pants and carry small bags of gluten free snacks. OR maybe call ahead to their patron office and explain your experience. They may have suggestions for you? 

[kareng]

I have never heard of an airport that didn't allow you to carry food thru.  They might not allow a full sized yogurt, but most of us carry sandwiches, nuts, candy, fruit, small squeeze packets of PB (in the liquids baggie),etc

 

When I go to something like the baseball game, I email or call a few weeks ahead of time.  There is usually an email for people with disabilities or fan support.  For Major League Soccer - I couldn't figure out who to email, so I emailed head of catering, the finance guy and the head of the club.  Everyone I could find an email for.  They sent me an email from the top guy to show at the gate.  Worked fine.  I have done this in other stadiums, too.  I haven't even had to show my doctor's note to prove I have Celiac.

 

You can't expect the person who makes less than $10 an hour at the gate to be able to make exceptions to the rules.  They are paid to get as many people searched and thru the gates as fast as possible.

[grodeylocks]

We need to start taking a firm stance against this type of behavior. It is intolerable. I'm not sure what to do though aside from start suing the crap out of people.

[grodeylocks]

As you guys can tell I'm really fired up about this. lol. The way some places treat us is just wrong.

[notme]

We need to start taking a firm stance against this type of behavior. It is intolerable. I'm not sure what to do though aside from start suing the crap out of people.

if you have celiac, you can start with your parents.  because it's genetic

 

usually, like karen said, you can get special permission by contacting the facility ahead of time.  i went to a nascar race last year at bristol and i was allowed to bring a little backpack in with food and what-not.  they sell redbridge on the main concourse but we had skybox seats and i had to contact the caterering company to get my beer supplied up there - only because it comes in bottles.  i have a bar in knoxville that the owner lets me bring my own redbridge in and they serve it to me and i just tip the bartenders.  (lolz and i tell people -- hey watch me get a beer for a dollar, they say 'no way!' and then i do.  source of constant amusement )  i usually get better treatment/bent rules if you just do your advance legwork.  

[grodeylocks]

I asked them ahead of time and was pretty much told no exceptions to their rules. I'm sorry but its just ridiculous and was a violation of my rights.

[Adalaide]

If we want to have exceptions to the rules for us, we need to make sure that we are making the appropriate effort needed to get those exceptions. As pointed out, the dude making barely over minimum wage isn't going to do (pardon my french) jack s$#& for you. Why? Because he was told in his training on day one that no exceptions, period, or he could lose his job. He doesn't give a crap if you have 500 diseases, unless you have a note from his boss saying you have an exception he isn't going to get fired for some Joe Shmoe throwing a hissy fit at the gate. Your lack of planning ahead isn't worth him risking his ability to pay his rent and feed his kids.

 

It is our responsibility to plan ahead. I rarely go out to eat, and while I don't do sporting events I indulge in the occasional movie in a theater. When I go to the movies I don't want anything special, I want the same thing everyone else wants. Popcorn and soda. Because of all the things I can't have, I can't even have fountain sodas or theater popcorn... not that I would trust a teenager in a theater that serves hotdogs to serve me popcorn anyway. When it was time to plan the most exciting movie night out of my life last month, I didn't take chances. I went in and spoke with the manager of the theater the day before I was seeing my movie to be sure I wouldn't have an issue bring my own popcorn and a type of soda I can have. Not because I feel that this disease should put extra work on us, but because it simply is what it is. I wanted to enjoy a fun evening without a hitch and knew that for one of the most anticipated movies of the year that the manager was not going to have time on opening night to deal with my BS.

 

With sporting events, I do know that a fair number of stadiums now have one or more gluten free vendors in their stadiums. If they have taken steps to meet our needs then there is no reason for them to allow in outside food for our special needs. If you spoke to managers and not just ticketing agents about the issue and they were truly firm about it then all I can recommend is finding out why this is their policy. It may be because they already have vendors in place. It may be ignorance. It may be they didn't really understand what you were asking. And, honestly, some people just come off as rather hostile and that is the reason they don't get an exception. They act self-entitled instead of politely explaining the health reasons for the request.

 

Frankly, your rights aren't being violated by being forced not to eat for the length of a baseball game.

[grodeylocks]

If we want to have exceptions to the rules for us, we need to make sure that we are making the appropriate effort needed to get those exceptions. As pointed out, the dude making barely over minimum wage isn't going to do (pardon my french) jack s$#& for you. Why? Because he was told in his training on day one that no exceptions, period, or he could lose his job. He doesn't give a crap if you have 500 diseases, unless you have a note from his boss saying you have an exception he isn't going to get fired for some Joe Shmoe throwing a hissy fit at the gate. Your lack of planning ahead isn't worth him risking his ability to pay his rent and feed his kids.

 

It is our responsibility to plan ahead. I rarely go out to eat, and while I don't do sporting events I indulge in the occasional movie in a theater. When I go to the movies I don't want anything special, I want the same thing everyone else wants. Popcorn and soda. Because of all the things I can't have, I can't even have fountain sodas or theater popcorn... not that I would trust a teenager in a theater that serves hotdogs to serve me popcorn anyway. When it was time to plan the most exciting movie night out of my life last month, I didn't take chances. I went in and spoke with the manager of the theater the day before I was seeing my movie to be sure I wouldn't have an issue bring my own popcorn and a type of soda I can have. Not because I feel that this disease should put extra work on us, but because it simply is what it is. I wanted to enjoy a fun evening without a hitch and knew that for one of the most anticipated movies of the year that the manager was not going to have time on opening night to deal with my BS.

 

With sporting events, I do know that a fair number of stadiums now have one or more gluten free vendors in their stadiums. If they have taken steps to meet our needs then there is no reason for them to allow in outside food for our special needs. If you spoke to managers and not just ticketing agents about the issue and they were truly firm about it then all I can recommend is finding out why this is their policy. It may be because they already have vendors in place. It may be ignorance. It may be they didn't really understand what you were asking. And, honestly, some people just come off as rather hostile and that is the reason they don't get an exception. They act self-entitled instead of politely explaining the health reasons for the request.

 

Frankly, your rights aren't being violated by being forced not to eat for the length of a baseball game.

There was a similar thing that happened at pizza hut where a woman brought in mcdonalds or something so one of her kids could eat. They were asked to leave. She ended up suing them and I believe she won. The fact of the matter is that it is a vilation of your rights under the Americans with Disabilities act.

[notme]

i agree with adalaide ^  the worst times i have had/feeling deprived/hungry with no food have been the times i haven't planned ahead.  it gets easier!

 

are you pretty new to this?  if you are diagnosed with celiac, you can talk to the 'handicapped' co-ordinators - if they have a handicapped section, you should be able to find someone to help you.  honestly, once i explained that i had a medical thing going on i have not had to whip out my doctor's note ever.  next time, try that.  lolz i have had them ask me if i needed to sit in the handicapped section (usually GREAT seats) but i declined    

 

annnnd - if your mama ain't told you:  you catch more flies with sugar.  

[kareng]

We don't really have a right to eat at a baseball game. If you just spoke to the person selling tickets or whatever, that might not be the right person. Talk to the head of security or the GM. Tell them you have Celiac disease and can show them a note from your doctor. Might need to give a brief explanation of Celiac but, probably not as big stadiums have encountered this request before. I'm not sure if the A's is one of the stadiums providing gluten-free food, you might be able to find that out.

[grodeylocks]

I did plan ahead. They flat out told me no we can not accommodate you. That's why I am so upset about that situation.

[kareng]

Open Original Shared Link

This is a partial list of what stadiums have for gluten-free food. I know it isn't complete for my stadium as I found other things. Our food service " chef" said to email a week or so before the game I am going to and he could help me with some choice besides what is listed. I usually eat a little bit at home and get a Redbridge and popcorn at the game.

[grodeylocks]

It's ok, I'll just be going to more giants games. They have gluten free beer there and then I dont have to go to Oakland. It's a win win situation.

[kareng]

There was a similar thing that happened at pizza hut where a woman brought in mcdonalds or something so one of her kids could eat. They were asked to leave. She ended up suing them and I believe she won. The fact of the matter is that it is a vilation of your rights under the Americans with Disabilities act.

I know you are angry but we do not have a right to food at a baseball game. If the stadium decided not to sell food to anyone, that would not be a violations of everyone who wanted to buy overpriced food's rights. If the stadium decided to only sell snack items like chips and candy, is that a violation of the rights of someone who would like a steak? If someone wants lobster and they don't sell it, how is that a violation of rights.

I am not going to continue a pointless argument with you. Sometimes life isn't fair or fun.

[kareng]

It's ok, I'll just be going to more giants games. They have gluten free beer there and then I dont have to go to Oakland. It's a win win situation.

Exactly! If they don't have the products you want.....don't give them your money!

[grodeylocks]

I know you are angry but we do not have a right to food at a baseball game. If the stadium decided not to sell food to anyone, that would not be a violations of everyone who wanted to buy overpriced food's rights. If the stadium decided to only sell snack items like chips and candy, is that a violation of the rights of someone who would like a steak? If someone wants lobster and they don't sell it, how is that a violation of rights.

I am not going to continue a pointless argument with you. Sometimes life isn't fair or fun.

Not have a right to food at a baseball game? If that's the case then we shouldn't have the right to have water or bathrooms for that matter either. Why are they forced to have to provide that to everyone then?

[notme]

Not have a right to food at a baseball game? If that's the case then we shouldn't have the right to have water or bathrooms for that matter either. Why are they forced to have to provide that to everyone then?

i suppose they don't want people peeing everywhere   so, that is probably to their advantage.   and, really, they *don't* have to accomodate you.  or anyone, for that matter.  they sell food there to make money.  

[StephanieL]

Not have a right to food at a baseball game? If that's the case then we shouldn't have the right to have water or bathrooms for that matter either. Why are they forced to have to provide that to everyone then?

 

They aren't saying you can't come to the game because you have Celiac. The food may be part of the "experience" but the experience isn't what your ticket price covers.

 

Just like at the movies. You can't bring stuff in. Period. The price of the ticket is for the movie.

 

We have a list much longer than just gluten. We eat before or after or call well in advance to find out if we can bring our own. If my kid has an issue with not eating AT the thing, we don't go. Obviously for travel that is a different story but again, planning, planning, planning.

[Fire Fairy]

Hugs Grodeylocks. I understand how you feel. Who knows you could win a law suit but it honestly isn't a right. They should want to make you happy in order to get your money but short of that they have no other reason, if they know you will still go to games and you wont be spending money on consessions anyway they really have nothing to lose by not accommodateing you. Now to play devil's advocate if you could start a protest and cause a lot of folks not to go to their games then you might could get something done. That mind you would be very difficult and very extreme, but it would be cheaper than a lawsuit.

[grodeylocks]

I'm not saying they have to provide us with food at all or gluten free food at all. However, if I want to bring in my own food and take care of myself who's rights am I violating by doing that. Nobody. That's where my problem lies. Imagine a world in which every single restaurant adopted these policies and there wasn't any reliable gluten free food served. You guys honestly don't believe there is something wrong with that.

[Fire Fairy]

I worked in restaurants as a hostess, and I can tell you waitstaff really don't like it if you bring your own food. That isn't what they get paid for, they feel you are taking away their money and it makes them resent you. If you've never worked in a restaurant you don't realize this but to the staff every seat has a dollar sign attached to it and your butt in that seat is a negative. And yes some staff will punish those you are with by doing bad things to their food! Like spitting in it or dropping it on the floor. I simply would not eat, it's safer because it's not quite the insult of bringing food in. That is like slapping the waiter and the cook in the face. (to their minds)

 

I've never brought my own food to a restaurant. I've seen the behavior behind the scenes when people did! 

[Jestgar]

It's not discrimination if the rules apply to everyone.  If you were told you couldn't bring in your gluten-free food, but could bring in regular food, that would be discrimination. 

 

A restaurant is not required to serve you food, nor are they required to let you bring in your own food.  What if you had cockroaches or other bugs mixed in with your snacks and you contaminated their restaurant?  

 

A carnivore can't demand meat at a vegetarian restaurant, nor can a vegan demand vegetables at a salami shop. 

 

If what they serve doesn't suit you, don't go.

[Asillem4]

I don't apologize anymore when I take my own food into a restaurant. However, the only reason my husband and I eat at restaurants that don't offer a safe, gluten free option on the menu is because someone invited us to join them. If it's up to us, we eat at the few places I know I won't get sick after enjoying a meal.

I do get some hassle in my family though. Mostly my father-in-law who doesn't understand any of this. I'll blame his diminishing ability to comprehend.

Just last night we were invited to join out of town family at a pizza restaurant. I didn't eat the salad bar because it was disgusting and most likely contaminated.

When we got home, I started fixing myself some dinner. My father-in-law walked into the kitchen and said, "AH-HA!"

I said, "What?"

"You're EATING!"

"I'm fixing myself some dinner." *It was 9:30*

"See! You should have eaten at the restaurant!"

"There wasn't anything there I could eat."

"You should have had a salad."

 

/facepalm

[Pegleg84]

I still can't believe they only let you through security at the airport with a bag of sunflower seeds. Now THAT is ridiculous. I always bring my own food on flights with me, regardless of whether they have gluten-free options or not (just in case). If it's domestic, I put something in a container for later. If it's international, I'll make sure either to eat any produce, etc, before going through customs, and bring pre-packaged stuff for the trip. Never had a problem.

 

As for stadiums/theatres/etc, you've already paid for a ticket to be there. If you can't eat anything sold there, then you don't spend any more money. I don't see why they wouldn't allow us to bring in our own food (as long as it wasn't excessive). Are they going to confiscate a larabar in your purse? While it might not be a right, I think it's good business sense to accommodate those who they don't/can't cater to. It's always worth asking at least. You're not going to buy anything anyway, so might as well not drive the ticket sale away as well.

 

So, kind of ridiculous. I'd still try to smuggle something in anyway.