In this essay, I will explore how queer temporality challenges the notion that life is a narrative arc, beginning with an explanation of what life is and why it is often understood as a story. I will then examine how the experience of time differs for LGBTQ+ people due to their marginalized identities and oppression, before exploring how these differences can be seen in various aspects of their lives such as friendships, relationships, and workplaces.
I will consider whether alternative ways of understanding time might help us reconcile the tension between different experiences of life's arc.
Life is a Story
Life is often understood as a story, where we are born, live through various events, and eventually die. This narrative structure has been used throughout history, from religious texts to Greek mythology to modern literature, and continues to influence our understanding of ourselves and others today.
Many people believe in an inherently linear trajectory of "birth, growth, maturity, old age, death," or "happiness, struggle, loss, grief." These stories may provide comfort by giving meaning to individual lives within a larger context, but they also have negative consequences. They can lead to feelings of guilt or failure when we do not fit into predetermined roles or expectations, and they can erase the complexities of lived experience. Queer temporality offers a new way of seeing life outside of this narrative framework.
Queer Temporality
Queer temporality refers to the unique ways that queer people experience time differently than cisgender heterosexual people. This includes differences in perception, memory, attention, and emotional response.
Studies have found that LGBTQ+ individuals tend to focus more on past memories and future plans than heterosexuals, suggesting a shift away from present-focused thinking.
They often report feeling out of sync with social norms and expectations, leading them to question the validity of traditional timelines. These differences are likely due to marginalization and oppression faced by queer communities, which disrupts their sense of belonging and safety in society. By challenging the idea that time is fixed and predictable, queer temporality allows for greater flexibility and creativity.
Differences in Experience
These differences in temporal awareness can be seen in various aspects of queer people's lives.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with finding friends who understand their identities and experiences. This can create barriers to forming close relationships, as they may feel isolated and misunderstood. In romantic partnerships, queer people may prioritize intimacy over long-term commitment, seeking connections based on shared interests rather than conforming to societal norms. At work, they may face discrimination or microaggressions, leading to feelings of stress and uncertainty.
Some queer people may reject the concept of linear progress altogether, instead focusing on living in the present moment and enjoying fleeting moments of joy.
Alternative Views of Time
Given these differences, it is important to consider alternative ways of understanding time. One possibility is to see time as cyclical rather than linear, where we move through repeated cycles of growth and decline. Another approach is to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty, recognizing that life is full of surprises and unpredictability.
We might focus on creating meaningful experiences in the present moment, without worrying about the future or past. These views are not mutually exclusive, but can coexist with queer temporality to create a more nuanced understanding of our lives. By embracing multiple perspectives on time, we can celebrate diversity and acceptance within society.
How does queer temporality challenge the idea of life as a narrative arc?
Queer temporality challenges the traditional concept of a linear timeline by rejecting the notion that time is a one-way street leading towards an end goal or conclusion. Instead, it emphasizes nonlinear experiences and multiple temporalities, which do not adhere to the normative expectations of progress and development.