As I sit on a really packed train commuting to work in London, I try to appreciate that we actually missed this during Covid when we were all forced apart.
Masks are still being worn by some people on the trains but it’s hard to tell if they are wearing a mask because they are already ill and don’t want to spread their germs or are they still nervous of Covid or indeed flu when they are in such close contact with people.
Opposite me is a pregnant lady and, as more people boarded, she got out her mask and put it on.
I understand how concerning it must be for her when she still has to commute to work in crowds of people.
I’ve been working in Abbey Road studios this week which is always lovely.
Tourists gather on the ‘Beatles zebra crossing’ outside or they take selfies at the gates.
I sometimes forget how lucky I am to work in some of these iconic places.
It’s a fun atmosphere working in recording studios at the moment.
World Cup
The World Cup is constantly on the big screen TVs with the sound down.
We will all be concentrating on listening to the music when suddenly a goal is scored, and the studio erupts.
I had no intention of watching the matches but the guys I’ve been working with have been shouting at the screens so much that I’m beginning to get the bug!
It’s just so strange to me that a country with such appalling human rights can dictate to people that they can’t even show solidarity with LGBTQ+ community.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
Why would footballers receive a booking for wearing a supportive armband?
Former Wales football player Laura McAllister even had her rainbow bucket hat confiscated when she went to watch Wales play the USA.
How can wearing a colourful hat be against regulations?
What harm is it doing to anyone?
Wearing armbands and hats in rainbow colours isn’t an aggressive sign of support but yet it isn’t allowed.
Well done to Alex Scott who defiantly wore her rainbow armband while commentating.
Mind you, according to the papers there seemed to be more uproar from the fans about the banning of alcohol in the stadium.
Oh, my goodness who on Earth is keeping Matt Hancock in the jungle?
It’s not people who are trying to torture him and make him do the trials, because he seems to love doing them and is good at every one he is given.
He must have actual fans who obviously have very short memories about who this man actually is.
Having said that, ITV pulled a blinder by getting him in there. And perhaps he actually did make the right decision to show everyone Matt Hancock the man not just the politician.
It seems to have gone exactly the way he wanted it to. But surely he can’t win!
By the time you read this he will hopefully have been banished from camp leaving that winning crown for perhaps lovely Jill Scott.
She has just been a joy to watch and such a great example of a wonderful athlete who isn’t afraid to speak out about being openly gay and why should she have to?
Role models
She talked of how she had no female role models to look up to when she wanted to be a footballer and how proud she now is that young girls who want to play the sport can look up to her.
And of course she isn’t just a sporting role model.
Many young gay people need a role model like Jill openly talking about their sexuality on our screens to give them hope that it’s ok to feel the way they do.
Sadly, there will be many Jills in Qatar who are afraid to even be themselves and by agreeing to take off any rainbow symbols I think FIFA are allowing Qatar to have these outlandish and outdated views.
Surely in 2022 people can love who they want and not have to be afraid.
I’ve been reading messages about children and teenagers who are really struggling and who deserve to be cheered up a little bit by the John Lewis teddy I spoke about here last week.
Mental health
Hearing these stories puts everything into perspective. Young people often struggle with their mental health.
Surely us all being inclusive towards them whatever their race or sexual orientation will go some way to helping.
I sent the teddy bear to a lovely girl called Laura who I chose because her story moved me a great deal.
Sending love to anyone who needs a bit of a virtual hug at the moment.
Have a good week,
Yvie x
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