This lecture explores the queerness of use as well as uses of queer. The lecture begins with a reflection on the gap between the intended function of an object and how an object is used as a gap with a queer potential. It does not simply affirm that potential, but offers an account of how institutional and sexual cultures are built to enable some uses more than others. Small acts of use are the building block of habit: use can build walls as well as worlds. To bring out the queerness of use requires a world-dismantling effort; to queer use is to make usage into a crisis.

This event is free but please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-kessler-award-sara-ahmed-on-queer-use-tickets-37391924252