Queer Temporality
Queer temporality is an area of study that examines how different temporalities can be experienced and expressed differently based on one's identity, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, class, ability, age, and other factors. In this article, I will explore the ways in which queer temporality can impact how individuals narrate their past, present, and future selves through an analysis of literature, film, and personal interviews.
Past Self
The way people remember and tell stories about their past can be shaped by their queerness.
Transgender individuals may experience memories differently than cisgender people due to changes in gender identity and expression. They may have difficulty relating to childhood experiences because they no longer identify with them as they once did. In addition, transgender individuals may feel like outsiders in their families of origin, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection from their own history. This can make it difficult for them to connect with others who share similar life experiences.
For those who are non-binary or gender fluid, time can be a complex concept. They may struggle to find language to describe themselves accurately, both in the past and present, and may question whether they even have a "real" past self. They may also have difficulties recognizing the differences between memory and imagination when creating narratives about their lives.
Individuals with disabilities may have had unique experiences growing up that shape how they think about time.
A person with a visual impairment might have a different relationship with time than someone without one since they rely more heavily on sensory perceptions than sight. Similarly, someone with ADHD may have trouble focusing on tasks that require sustained attention, leading them to experience time differently than neurotypical people.
Present Self
In terms of their current selves, queer individuals may feel disconnected from mainstream society's understanding of time. They may not see themselves represented in traditional cultural narratives or expectations around family, work, relationships, and other aspects of everyday life. As a result, they may create new ways of living and being in the world that challenge dominant social norms.
Some queer couples reject marriage because it is tied to heteronormative ideas about monogamy and permanence. Others embrace polyamory as an alternative lifestyle choice that reflects their values and needs.
Queer individuals may experience time differently due to discrimination and oppression. They may face microaggressions daily that make them feel like outsiders in their communities and workplaces. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation that affect their ability to function in the present moment.
Some queer people find solace in supportive networks, such as LGBTQ+ groups, where they can be understood and accepted for who they are.
Future Self
When envisioning their future selves, queer individuals may struggle with mainstream assumptions about what success looks like. They may question whether they will ever find love or have families if they don't conform to societal expectations. Some may also worry that their identities will continue to be marginalized even as they move forward into adulthood. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, making it challenging to set goals and plan for the future.
Many queer individuals find hope and inspiration by looking toward activists and leaders who paved the way before them. They see how far we have come as a society in terms of acceptance and inclusion and believe that more progress is possible. By creating new narratives around what is possible for themselves, they can imagine a brighter future filled with possibilities.
Queer temporality shapes how individuals understand their past, present, and future selves. It challenges traditional ideas about time and identity and offers unique insights into human experience. Through literature, film, personal interviews, and other sources, we can better understand how queerness interacts with time and create more inclusive spaces for all individuals.
How does queer temporality affect the way individuals narrate their past, present, and future selves?
In contemporary societies, there is increasing attention paid to the diversity of gender identities and sexual orientations, with many individuals choosing not to adhere to traditional heteronormative norms but instead embracing different nonbinary identifications. Queer temporalities refer to the ways in which these individuals perceive time as unique from those who identify with the dominant culture's perceptions of time.