How does queer temporality call into question moral notions of permanence as a condition of trust or care?
Queer temporality is an approach to time that challenges traditional understandings of time as linear, unidirectional, and sequential. This approach instead recognizes that time can be non-linear, cyclical, and interconnected, which has implications for how we think about morals and ethics. Queer temporality suggests that there are multiple ways to perceive and experience time, including those that challenge the dominant narrative of progress and advancement. In this essay, I will explore how queer temporality calls into question traditional ideas of permanence and trust as they relate to caregiving and personal relationships.
Traditionally, moral notions of permanence have been linked to the idea that certain things should remain constant and stable over time.
Marriage is often seen as a permanent commitment between two people who promise to love and support each other throughout their lives together.
Queer temporality questions whether such promises of permanence can truly exist in a world where everything is constantly changing and shifting.
In a queer temporal framework, nothing is ever set in stone. Things are always in flux, and what may seem like a fixed point in one moment can shift dramatically in another. This means that any kind of relationship - romantic, platonic, familial, or otherwise - must be understood as temporary and subject to change. It also means that trust and care cannot rely on the assumption of permanence but rather must be continually renegotiated and reaffirmed.
Imagine two partners in a long-term relationship who decide to open up their relationship to new partners. Their commitment to each other is still present, but it looks different than it did when they first got together. They now share their intimate lives with others, which requires them to communicate and negotiate more frequently about boundaries and expectations. The way they show love and care for each other changes as well, as they learn to navigate the complexities of polyamory.
A parent's relationship with a child may evolve over time. As the child grows older and develops their own identity, they may need less oversight and guidance from their parents. This does not mean that the bond between parent and child has weakened; instead, it has simply transformed into something else. In this case, trust and care must be renewed through communication and understanding, rather than assumed to be permanent based on an initial agreement.
Queer temporality challenges us to think about relationships and morals in a more flexible and dynamic way. It asks us to let go of rigid notions of stability and permanence and embrace the fluidity and complexity of human existence. By doing so, we can create more meaningful connections built on mutual respect, understanding, and care.
How does queer temporality call into question moral notions of permanence as a condition of trust or care?
Queer temporality calls into question moral notions of permanence by destabilizing traditional conceptions of time that are rooted in heteronormative, linear, and teleological narratives. It challenges the idea that all time is created equal, with each moment having an inherent value and purpose, as well as the belief that progress is always forward-moving and towards greater good.