Have you ever been
in a situation where you have had a problem with
flatulence and become a social outcast after just one
mistake? For example, accidently let one slip
at a board room meeting and been demoted or even
sacked. Ever broken wind at a religious service
and been banished from all further gatherings. We are
a support group who deals with these incidents of
victimisation and provides victims with support,
advice and encouragement. Our other major function to
promote anti flatuphobia in Australia and breaking
down the stereotype of flatulence in popular culture.
Victims of
Flatuphobia:
This story is from Kate in
Olinda, Victoria
"I had worked at
Tobin Brothers in Croydon for five years.
During one funeral I accidently let one rip and
sent the whole congregation into hysterics. But
my boss didn't think it was funny and I was given
notice a week later. They said the reason for my
sacking was my poor attitude but I am certain it
was due to my flatulence problem."
This story is from Jenny
Ferntree Gully, Victoria
"Me, my
brother and my boyfriend went to a restaurant a
few days ago. My brother farted, but my brother
said to my boyfriend, 'Jen, stop farting'. Now my
boyfriend doesn't seem to take me seriously any
more and mocks me because of the restaurant
incident."
This story is from Martin,
Montrose, Victoria
"As a kid my
mother thought I had a problem with flatulence.
She made me eat these charcoal tablets which were
supposed to get rid of the problem. They had the
side effect of causing explosive diahreah which
was worse than the cause."
Australians Against Flatuphobia is an
organisation that is against flatuphobia, that is, fear
of flatulence. As the above testimonies describe
flatuphobia can devastate a person's life. Flatuphobes
rarely realise the damage they are causing. Martin, above,
has extensive colonic damage due to excessive diahreah as
a child. Martin's mother had no idea of the damage she
was causing.
How we can help
If you are located are Melbourne Victoria we provide face
to face conselling to help you deal with flatuphobia. We
also have group meetings which are held each week at the
Montrose Town Hall on the Tuesday of each month and 7.00
pm. Though flatuphobia is a serious issue we try
not to take ourselves too seriously and we do have fun.
Check out our gallery of our
easter trip to Sydney.
We also have a guestbook which is a handy way for
people share their experiences with others. The best way
to deal with flatuphobia is to discuss it.
How you can help Even if you don't join the AAF,
as a first step, people should atleast have sympathy for
victims of flatuphobia. Kate (first testimony) might
still be employed if some of her workmates had have shown
her sympathy and helped her keep her job.
You can also help by filling out our survey
about incidents and perceptions concerning flatuphobia.
How to join The A.A.F. is currently
recruiting new members. Click
for more information on becoming a member. To
become a member send a private message to denise at denisebrunette at gmail dot com.
You will be sent an information pack on member
requirements and entitlements.
The A.A.F. also has a guestbook and a forum. If you
would like to raise and/or argue an issue concerning
flatuphobia please post in the forum. If you would like
to leave a permanent message concerning the website
please sign the guestbook. Thanks.