"Sex and eugenics : a memoir in poetry and prose" by Amy Vaillancourt

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Committee Chair

Samantha Moe

Committee Member

David St. John

Committee Member

Anna Lowe Weber

Research Advisor

Samantha Moe

Subject(s)

Turner's syndrome--Patients--Biography, American poetry--21st century, American essays--21st century

Abstract

This memoir is a work of hybrid creative nonfiction which incorporates the genres of essay, memoir and poetry. The memoirist uses multiple forms to address topics from their experience with Turner Syndrome, accessing medical care, medicine and coming to identify as disabled among many aspects of themself. The memoir asks the question; how do we live in a world where both sex and eugenics exist? It starts with the local -- the experience of one individual and expands into something farther reaching – the experiences of others over time. It begins with the perspective and understanding of the author’s own individual and unique experiences with Turner's Syndrome from their childhood diagnosis to adulthood. This focal point in turn leads to the exploration of many intersecting branches of conversation spanning gender roles, disability rights and disability studies, religion, and the specter of eugenics in contemporary society.

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