The notion that queerness can be understood as an alteration to one's temporal perception has been explored extensively in feminist and queer theories, but its implications for immortality are less often discussed. Immortality refers to the continued existence of a person beyond their natural life expectancy, usually through technological means such as cryonics, uploading consciousness into a computer, or genetic engineering.
This concept is challenged by queer temporality, which argues that time itself is socially constructed and subjective, and that there may be alternative ways to experience it outside of linear progression. By applying queer temporality to the idea of immortality, it becomes possible to rethink what it means to live forever and how to achieve it.
Immortality is typically associated with immobility, stagnation, and lack of change. But queer temporality suggests that it could instead involve constant transformation, fluidity, and nonlinearity. This approach values the present moment and sees all forms of existence as equally valid and important. It also rejects the idea that time must move forward in a straight line towards death, emphasizing that different temporalities can coexist simultaneously.
Transformation is key to understanding queer temporality. Trans people, for example, challenge the rigid categories of gender binary and embrace a more fluid identity, which has broader consequences for their relationship with time. They recognize that gender is not fixed and can shift over time, and see themselves as constantly evolving and adaptable. Similarly, transgender authors like Judith Butler have argued that sex/gender is performative, always being created and recreated through social interactions. This idea challenges the notion that bodies are inherently male or female and opens up possibilities for new forms of embodiment.
Through transformation, we might imagine an eternal life that would never become static or boring. One could continually reinvent oneself and explore new identities, experiences, and relationships without becoming trapped in one form of existence. This approach does not rely on technological advancements but rather on personal growth and development. It acknowledges that our understanding of time is shaped by culture and society, allowing us to create our own meanings and narratives.
Queerness also challenges the idea that immortality should be tied to physical survival. Instead, it suggests that intimacy and connection with others may be more crucial than biological continuation. Love and affection can last beyond death, and shared memories and stories can create meaningful connections even after separation. This perspective celebrates moments of closeness and affection as the true essence of human experience and highlights the importance of building strong emotional ties.
Exploring queer temporality offers new perspectives on what it means to live forever and how to achieve it. By recognizing the fluidity and subjectivity of time, we can break free from rigid concepts of mortality and embrace a richer, more dynamic way of existing. Transformation, intimacy, and storytelling all play important roles in this vision of immortality, providing opportunities for growth, change, and creativity. While technology may have its place in achieving immortality, it is only one part of a larger picture that includes personal development, social interactions, and self-expression.
Can queer temporality inspire a new understanding of immortality through transformation?
Immortality is often understood as something that transcends time and death, while temporality refers to the experience of time itself. Queer temporality, then, may provide insights into how we can rethink our relationship with time and explore possibilities for eternal life beyond traditional understandings.