The Inclusion Of Matter

This paper proposes new materialist theory as a framework for emancipating fat, queer, and traumatized bodies from oppressive significations embedded in written discourse and social narratives that often legitimize and perpetuate systemic inequalities, contributing to sustained marginalization and othering. Through a critical examination of dominant epistemologies, I argue that binary constructions generate conceptual divides such as fat/thin, white/other, gay/straight, male/female, human/non-human and so on that systematically marginalize and exclude bodies that fall outside of these boundaries. To address these exclusions, I propose a twofold approach to inclusion: first, by dismantling hierarchical conceptualizations of matter, and second, by critically rethinking matter, difference, and positionality. Drawing on the work of key theorists, including Karen Barad, Donna Haraway, Alison Kafer, Ramanpreet Annie Bahra, and Sarah Ahmed, among others, this paper blends perspectives from fat, queer, and disability studies to confront oppressive and harmful viewpoints of corporeality. By reframing how we engage with materiality and bodily difference, we can foster more equitable representations and dismantle harmful discursive structures that perpetuate exclusion to reach a more holistic, inclusive viewpoint. Throughout the paper, I will include my own new materialist-inspired paintings that I consider to be in conversation with the text. I encourage you, the reader, to engage with both text and image as you go along.