In Queer Temporality, sociologist Lauren Berlant argues that time is experienced differently for those who do not fit into mainstream expectations about gender and sexuality. She defines queer temporality as an experience where the chronology of one's life is "out of joint" due to the nonconforming nature of one's identity. This means that the traditional progression of life stages such as childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, adulthood, and old age are no longer linear or predictable. Instead, queer individuals may be more likely to have multiple identities throughout their lives, and these identities may shift and change over time.
Someone may identify as gay in college but later transition to a different gender and identify as transgender. As a result, milestones such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement can take on new meanings for queer people.
Relational development can also challenge linear conceptions. In mainstream society, relationships tend to follow a pattern of meeting someone, dating, becoming exclusive, moving in together, getting married, having children, and then eventually growing apart or separating.
This timeline does not always hold true for queer couples. They may choose to move in together without being married or stay single while raising children. Their relationships may evolve organically rather than following a set path.
Queer temporality can also impact personal growth. Mainstream culture often places value on achieving certain goals by a certain age, such as finishing school, starting a career, buying a house, and reaching financial stability. But for queer people, these markers of success may not apply or may not align with their values. Queer people may prioritize different goals, such as creating art or advocating for social justice.
The concept of queer temporality challenges the idea that time is a straight line leading towards a predetermined endpoint. Instead, it highlights the complex and varied ways in which people experience time and how life events are shaped by identity and community. It encourages individuals to reject traditional norms and expectations and embrace the unique paths they create for themselves.
How does queer temporality challenge linear conceptions of personal growth, life milestones, and relational development?
Queer temporality challenges linear conceptions of personal growth, life milestones, and relational development by rejecting traditional norms that emphasize a linear progression towards "normal" adulthood. Instead, it advocates for fluidity, flexibility, and nonconformity in these areas.