Undoing Suicidism: A Trans, Queer, Crip Approach to Rethinking (Assisted) Suicide

Alexandre Baril argues that structural suicidism oppresses suicidal people and that supporting assisted suicide can better prevent unnecessary deaths. He offers a new queercrip model of (assisted) suicide and invites us to think about it from an anti-suicidist and intersectional framework.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 333 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

In his book "Undoing Suicidism," Alexandre Baril makes a compelling case that individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide are subjected to a form of oppression he refers to as structural suicidism. This hidden oppression has remained unnamed and under-theorized until now. Each year, the prevailing script and strategies employed in suicide prevention perpetuate violence and cause further harm and loss of life among those who are suicidal. This is particularly true for marginalized groups, such as queer, trans, disabled, or Mad individuals, who face multiple forms of oppression.

Baril challenges the notion that the best approach to helping suicidal individuals is through the logic of prevention. He presents a thought-provoking argument that supporting assisted suicide for suicidal people could potentially lead to a reduction in unnecessary deaths. By adopting a new queercrip model of (assisted) suicide, Baril invites us to envision a different perspective on this issue. He encourages us to think about (assisted) suicide from an anti-suicidist and intersectional framework.

In his book, Baril offers a radical reconceptualization of (assisted) suicide, providing valuable insights for academics, activists, practitioners, and policymakers. He challenges the dominant narratives surrounding suicide and encourages a more compassionate and inclusive approach to addressing this critical issue. Through his work, Baril aims to shed light on the experiences of suicidal individuals and to advocate for policies that prioritize their well-being and dignity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439924075