Queer all along: (Re)imagining theories of critical multimodal composition through queer theoretical lenses

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Conjuring Criticality and Community Through Youth's Multimodal Literacies

Abstract

This theoretical paper presents a critical synthesis of literature spanning critical literacies, multimodal literacies, and queer literacies to develop new theoretical arguments for literacy and composition research. Using queer methodologies, this review and synthesis results in three theoretical arguments: (1) critical and multimodal literacy theories are already "queer" through their disruption of dominant ideologies and categorical norms; (2) critical and multimodal pedagogies function as queer pedagogical praxis by questioning hierarchies and embracing multiplicity; and (3) queer critical/multimodal literacies apply beyond LGBTQ+ contexts to all binary-disrupting practices. These findings democratize access to queer pedagogy while protecting critical literacy work in restrictive educational climates by revealing the inseparability of critical and queer literacy pedagogies.

Author

• Kris Bell, Claremont Graduate University