Emauni Crawley, a 23-year-old behavioral health coach, lives with Tourette syndrome, which manifests as a severe tic that compels her to utter obscenities at inappropriate moments. She shares her experience of facing this condition while working, where she recently faced the challenge of involuntarily insulting a colleague. Crawley likens the experience to an itch that needs scratching, highlighting the uncontrollable nature of her tics which can lead to social awkwardness and unintended harm to others.

This week, Emauni addressed a controversial incident involving a man with Tourette syndrome who shouted a racist slur at a film awards ceremony while two Black actors were taking the stage. Despite understanding the involuntary nature of Tourette tics, Crawley emphasizes that such outbursts can still cause emotional pain and offense. The incident has reignited discussions around the stigmatization of Tourette syndrome and its misunderstandings in social contexts, particularly concerning race and offensive language.

Crawley's advocacy sheds light on the broader implications of living with Tourette syndrome, particularly for a Black individual navigating the complexities of their identity and the pursuit of social acceptance. The conversation surrounding this syndrome is crucial, as it encourages a deeper understanding of the condition and the impact of triggering words or actions, thereby fostering empathy and support for those affected.