Eli Clare

Eli Clare (born 1966) is a white, disabled, and genderqueer American writer, poet, activist, and educator. Clare's work explores the intersections of disability, queerness, class, and environmentalism. They are known for their unflinching and critical analysis of systems of power and oppression, particularly as they relate to the body and access.

Clare's essays, poems, and performances often draw upon their own experiences navigating a world built for able-bodied individuals. They have spoken and written extensively about chronic illness, rural life, social justice movements, and the complex relationship between the body and the environment.

Notable works include:

• Exile and Pride: Disability, Queerness, and Liberation (1999): A groundbreaking exploration of the connections between disability and queer identities.
• Brilliant Imperfection: Grappling with Cure (2017): A critical examination of the concept of "cure" and its implications for disabled people.

Clare has received numerous awards and recognitions for their writing and activism, and they continue to be a significant voice in disability studies, queer theory, and environmental justice. They often lecture and give workshops at colleges and universities.