Queer temporality is a concept introduced by scholars of queer theory to describe how individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ experience time differently than those who do not. Queer people often experience a sense of dislocation from mainstream society due to their identity, which can lead them to feel as if they exist outside of linear time. This disconnection from normative time allows for an exploration of alternate ways of experiencing and understanding temporalities that are authentic, noncommodified, and deeply resonant with their nonnormative lives. Personal narratives are stories about oneself or one's life experiences, which can be used as a way to express individuality, uniqueness, and perspective. By incorporating elements of queer temporality into personal narratives, LGBTQ+ people can create stories that reflect their lived experiences and challenge dominant social structures.
One way to explore queer temporality in personal narratives is through an examination of memory. Memories are often tied to specific moments in time, but for queer people, memories may not align with traditional notions of past, present, and future. Instead, memories may be fragmented, hazy, or even existential.
A transgender person might remember aspects of childhood gender identity that were suppressed during their early years, creating a disjuncture between their lived experience and their perceived timeline. Incorporating this dissonance into their personal narrative can help them understand their own identity and the unique challenges they have faced.
Another way to explore queer temporality is through a rejection of chronological storytelling. Many personal narratives follow a straightforward chronology, starting at the beginning and ending at the end.
This structure can be limiting for those who do not fit into this model. Queer individuals may choose to tell their stories out of order or skip around in time, highlighting key moments that illustrate their sense of self. This approach allows for more complex and nuanced representations of lived experience, rather than reducing it to a simple linear progression.
Queer temporality can also be explored through experimentation with language. Language is heavily influenced by culture and societal norms, which can make it difficult for some LGBTQ+ people to find words to describe their experiences. By using unconventional language, playing with syntax and grammar, or incorporating metaphor and symbolism, queer people can create personal narratives that reflect their perspective while still defying dominant structures.
A lesbian poet might use metaphors related to water to discuss her relationship with another woman, drawing on associations with fluidity and connection.
Incorporating elements of queer temporality into personal narratives can allow LGBTQ+ individuals to create authentic, non-commodified, and deeply resonant stories that challenge social norms. By rejecting traditional forms of narrative structure and language, queer people can create works that reflect their unique perspectives and identities.
How can queer temporality contribute to the creation of personal narratives that feel authentic, non‑commodified, and deeply resonant with a non‑normative life?
In today's society where traditional gender roles and norms are being challenged more than ever before, many individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are looking for ways to create personal narratives that accurately reflect their unique experiences and perspectives. One way they can do this is through embracing queer temporality, which involves rejecting linear time and focusing on creating stories that explore the complexities of identity and belonging within fluid temporal frameworks.