John Davidson had quite the story to tell after meeting Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2019, while at Holyrood to receive his MBE, the youth worker blurted out, “F*** the Queen!” It’s a shocking thing to say, especially while in front of the Queen herself. But John lives with Tourette’s Syndrome, a condition known for involuntary outbursts, which includes tics and sometimes unexpected swearing.
Some might have panicked, but the Queen remained as calm as if she’d seen it all before. John, reflecting on the moment, said, “Her Majesty was very kind, calm, and assured.”
If that wasn’t enough, John’s day at the palace continued with more unexpected moments. During a security check, a nervous John suddenly shouted, “A bomb! I’ve got a f***ing bomb!” And as he wandered the corridors, he exclaimed, “I’m a paedo!” Despite the chaotic outbursts, John cherishes the memory, calling the MBE the “proudest moment” of his life.
John’s story began to unfold in the public eye through the 1989 BBC documentary “John’s Not Mad.” While it helped raise awareness about Tourette’s, it also led to some unfortunate misunderstandings and encounters, like the one with religious fanatics who thought John needed an exorcism. But John kept his humour, telling them flat-out to leave him alone as he attended to his pet rabbit.
Through it all, John has become a respected advocate for Tourette’s Syndrome, working with organisations like Tourette Scotland and Tourettes Action. His efforts are featured in a book and an upcoming documentary titled “I Swear.” In fact, his first encounter with the filmmaker was marked by another unexpected outburst, where tea became an interesting topic.
John’s work continues to inspire many, and his unique journey highlights both the challenges and resilience of living with Tourette’s. His enduring legacy is not just in his achievements but in the awareness he’s brought to the condition.