Touretteshero

Touretteshero is an innovative project co-founded in 2010 by Jess Thom and her longstanding friend and collaborator Matthew Pountney. The organization is dedicated to celebrating the creative and humorous aspects of living with Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary vocal and motor tics.

Foundation and Purpose

Jess Thom, who herself lives with Tourette syndrome, teamed up with Matthew Pountney with the aim of changing the public perception of the condition. Touretteshero began as a playful concept where Thom would dress up in a superhero costume, embodying the persona of "Touretteshero" to engage particularly with children and young people through performances and workshops.

Media Appearances and Publications

In 2011, Jess Thom's unique approach to living with Tourette's gained significant media attention. She appeared on Episode 3, 'Uses and Abuses', of Stephen Fry's five-part BBC series Fry's Planet Word. In this episode, Thom discussed her experience with Tourette's, particularly focusing on coprolalia, a condition that compels the individual to utter swear words and affects approximately 10% of people with Tourette's.

Following her appearance on television, in 2012, Souvenir Press published Welcome to Biscuit Land: A Year in the Life of Touretteshero. This book was based on entries from Jess Thom's blog and featured a foreword written by Stephen Fry. It offers readers a heartfelt, humorous, and eye-opening account of a year in Thom’s life with Tourette's.

Events and Collaborations

Touretteshero has been active in organizing creative events aimed at fostering inclusion and understanding of neurological diversity. One notable event was "We Forgot The Lot!", a collaboration with the Tate which targeted children and young people, both with and without Tourette's. These events are designed to provide a safe and engaging space for expression and learning.

Relaxed Venue Initiative

In February 2020, in collaboration with the Battersea Arts Centre, Touretteshero played a pivotal role in establishing the centre as the world’s first "relaxed venue". This designation marks a significant step in promoting accessibility in the arts, following a series of "relaxed performances", including the Festival of Rest and Resistance and performances of the play Not I. Relaxed performances are designed to be more inclusive and supportive of audiences with various sensory and communication needs or learning disabilities.

Impact and Recognition

Touretteshero has been recognized as a groundbreaking initiative that not only supports individuals with Tourette syndrome but also educates the public about the condition in a way that is engaging, informative, and destigmatizing. Its approach has been lauded for its innovation and impact, transforming how people with Tourette's are perceived and received in society.

References

• Thom, J., & Fry, S. (2012). Welcome to Biscuit Land: A Year in the Life of Touretteshero. Souvenir Press.
• BBC. (2011). Fry's Planet Word, Episode 3: 'Uses and Abuses'.

External Links

• Official Touretteshero Website - Explore more about Touretteshero's events, initiatives, and resources.

Touretteshero Resources
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