Speaker to explore Access, Intersectionality and Resistance in Disability Culture

Dr. Robert McRuer, a professor of English at George Washington University, is the second guest speaker in the Anti-Ableism and Accessibility Speaker Series, hosted by the Office of Equity Transformation. McRuer teaches disability studies, queer theory and cultural studies, and is a leading scholar in the field of “Crip Theory”, exploring how social pressures and norms around ability intersect with those of gender and sexuality. McRuer is the author of Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability, and Crip Times: Disability, Globalization, and Resistance, as well as numerous other books and articles.

On March 6, McRuer will give a presentation at Fort Garry campus, discussing the idea of “one-dimensional disability”, a disability identity that does not consider solidarity with other movements for social justice. In opposition to this position, McRuer’s talk will focus on the vibrancy, intersectionality and multi-dimensionality of social justice movements which actively seek solidarity across a range of differences, namely, Mad Pride, disability justice, and queercrip culture.

“It is a pleasure to bring Robert here to share his insights and expertise about transnational queer disability theory and activism,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “Dismantling ableism in our community requires an understanding of the diversity within disability communities and the intersectionality of systems of oppression including racism, colonization, sexism, homo‐ and trans‐phobia, and ageism. I hope that many people will attend, either in-person or online, to advance their understanding of movements for equitable and inclusive futures at UM and in society.”

Event details

“Disability, Revolution? Access, Intersectionality and Resistance in Disability Culture”

Wednesday, March 6 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Online and in-person (409 Tier Building)

Registration is required. Register here to attend.

The Anti-Ableism Speaker Series is funded by the 2023 Robbins-Olivier Award for Excellence in Equity, and features disability studies scholars and activists who work at the intersections of critical disability studies, Indigenous Studies, Black Studies and Queer studies. Learn more about the Anti-Ableism Speaker Series.

While visiting UM, UMQueer will also be hosting events with Dr. McRuer at both the Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses. Learn more at the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion events calendar.