Radical Signs: Deaf People in Radical Left Politics

A BSL presentation by Dai O’Brien uncovering the neglected history of deaf people in radical left politics, focusing on anarchist Leonard A Motler.

Dai O’Brien, Associate Professor of BSL and Deaf Studies at York St John University, presents on the overlooked contributions of deaf and disabled people to radical left political movements. The talk examines deaf people involved in the global anarchist movement in the early 20th century, with a particular focus on Leonard A Motler, an Eccles-born member of the UK anarchist-communist movement. It also reflects on what it means to be disabled within radical left spaces. The presentation will be delivered in British Sign Language with BSL/English interpreters present.