The value of visibility is contingent on a variable, embodyminded social currency. Being seen tends to benefit most the people whose bodies and minds adhere closest to norms structured by whiteness, cisnormativity, and abledness. In their interactive talk, J. Logan Smilges shows how queer and otherwise marginalized populations navigate the risks that subtend their precarious visibility. Centering their analysis on the dating app Grindr, Smilges introduces profile pictures as a digital site for rhetorical quieting—a strategy whereby users regulate how their bodyminds signify to people around them. As part of their talk, Smilges will offer an opportunity for attendees to evaluate how their own social media use is situated within a political matrix of presence and absence.

We want to make our events accessible to all participants. This event will be a hybrid event with both a physical meeting space and an online meeting space. Please register in advance for the online Zoom Webinar here: bit.ly/3hGUtjJ

Please register for the physical meeting space at the University of Michigan’s Central Campus: https://myumi.ch/J8qkw

CART will be provided. If you anticipate needing accommodations to participate, please email the DISCO Network at disconetwork@umich.edu. Please note that some accommodations must be arranged in advance and we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.