Touching Elbows, Rubbing Knees: On Disability and Uncertain Intimacy

• In Event: 352 - Theory Section Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 07. Social Behavior and Social Interaction

Abstract

By incorporating Ahmed's articulation of orientation and Walters' notion of rhetorical touch,this paper examines how orientations towards disability as well as sexual orientations can lead us to misjudge the direction an intimate moment is taking. Specifically, I draw on disabled people's life-writing toy examine the relationship between touch, affect, and uncertainty.

Author

• Ryan Parrey, State University of New York