Queer temporality refers to the unique way that individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ perceive time and experience it differently from cisgender heterosexual people. This perception can have significant implications for how they define success, fulfillment, and arrival within their personal and professional lives.
Queer individuals may prioritize experiences and moments over achievements or milestones when defining success, leading them to reevaluate traditional ideas about what constitutes "arrival" or reaching a certain level of accomplishment.
The lack of societal acceptance and support for queer individuals can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, which further challenges their sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. By embracing their differences and rejecting normative timelines, queer individuals can create new definitions of success, fulfillment, and arrival based on self-acceptance, community building, and personal growth.
The concept of queer temporality is rooted in the marginalization and othering of queer individuals throughout history. As a result, many queer individuals have developed a different perspective on time and its passage compared to their straight peers. They may feel that their sense of time is more fluid or subjective than linear, with events and experiences blurring together rather than following a clear progression. This can manifest in various ways, such as a greater emphasis on present moments or an interest in exploring alternate pasts or futures through creative pursuits like writing or visual arts.
The pressure to conform to society's expectations regarding success, fulfillment, and arrival can be intense for queer individuals. Traditional markers of achievement, such as promotions, wealth, or marriage, may not hold the same value for someone who does not fit into these norms. Instead, they may focus on creating meaningful relationships, developing their talents, or engaging in activism to effect change. Queer temporality allows them to reframe these concepts within their own context, defining success in terms of self-growth and impact rather than external validation.
Queer temporality offers a unique lens for understanding how success, fulfillment, and arrival are defined outside of traditional norms. By embracing their differences and rejecting societal timelines, queer individuals can create new definitions of success based on personal values and experiences. This approach challenges dominant narratives about what it means to succeed, live a fulfilled life, and arrive at a certain point in one's career or personal journey.
How does queer temporality redefine success, fulfillment, and arrival through the lens of difference?
Queer temporality rejects the idea that individuals should follow a linear path towards success, satisfaction, and achievement according to societal norms. Instead, it encourages people to embrace their unique experiences and perspectives, recognizing that there is no one right way to live life. Success, fulfillment, and arrival are not fixed points but fluid concepts that can shift and change over time based on individual needs and desires.