Non-binary temporality is an emerging concept that challenges traditional views of time and its impact on human experience. It proposes that humans do not simply exist within linear, chronological time but rather operate within multiple temporalities simultaneously, which can be experienced in both backward and forward directions. This challenges the notion of a fixed sequence of events and goals to achieve, as well as our ability to predict the future. Non-binary temporality also raises important ethical considerations related to anticipatory thinking and decision-making. In this article, I will explore how non-binary temporality affects these aspects of human life and how they relate to sex, sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, and relationship dynamics.
Non-binary Temporality and Sequencing
Non-binary temporality posits that people move through time in more than one direction, experiencing past and present moments simultaneously and cyclically.
When recalling a memory from childhood, someone may feel like they are traveling backwards in time while simultaneously being present in the current moment. This means that we cannot assume that all experiences occur in a strict order or progression towards a predefined goal. Rather, there may be loops, cycles, and unexpected deviations from expected sequences. These phenomena have been observed in various fields, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and neuroscience.
Goal Setting and Anticipatory Ethics
Non-binary temporality calls into question traditional models of goal setting, planning, and anticipation. When humans plan for the future, they often make assumptions about how events will unfold and what decisions they should make along the way.
If time is not linear, such predictions become increasingly uncertain. Instead, we must learn to navigate multiple temporalities and be open to new possibilities. This requires an ethical approach to anticipatory thinking, where individuals strive to act with integrity regardless of how their actions may impact their personal timeline. It also means recognizing that our choices can have far-reaching consequences beyond ourselves, affecting other people's lives and the broader social landscape.
Relationships and Intimacy
In relationships, non-binary temporality has implications for intimacy and closeness. If we acknowledge that love exists across different periods and dimensions, it becomes harder to define what constitutes 'real' or authentic attraction. We must grapple with questions around trust, commitment, loyalty, and exclusivity when two or more individuals are experiencing different temporalities simultaneously. Non-binary temporality also highlights the potential for rekindled connections, as past moments can appear as present memories. This presents unique challenges for couples navigating issues like infidelity or breakups.
Non-binary temporality challenges many aspects of life, including sequencing, goal setting, and anticipatory ethics. It reminds us that humans operate in multiple temporalities and must navigate this complexity while maintaining a sense of integrity and responsibility. By understanding these concepts, we can better understand our relationship to time, sex, sexuality, eroticism, and intimacy and make more informed decisions about our behavior.
How does non-binary temporality challenge standard models of life sequencing, goal setting, and anticipatory ethics?
Non-binary temporality refers to an approach that challenges the traditional linear conception of time where past, present, and future are considered distinct and separate entities. In this view, there is no strict order of events; instead, time is seen as cyclical, spiraling, or multidimensional.