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.
Recommended Citation
Vaillancourt, Amy, "Sex and eugenics : a memoir in poetry and prose" (2025). Theses. 741.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/741
