Transitional Life Events
Transitional life events are those changes that occur throughout one's lifetime that have the potential to significantly impact an individual's identity, self-perception, and perception of the world around them. Such events may include but are not limited to moving to a new city, starting a new job, experiencing a loss, getting married, becoming a parent, retiring from work, going through divorce, etc. These events can often be accompanied by feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, grief, confusion, excitement, and hope, among others. Queer understandings of temporality, meaning, and resilience can play a significant role in how transitional life events are navigated ethically.
Temporality
Temporality refers to the concept of time as it relates to human experience. Queer perspectives emphasize the fluidity and subjectivity of time rather than its linearity or permanence. This means that queer individuals may view time differently than cisgendered and heteronormative people.
Instead of seeing time as a fixed continuum with distinct past, present, and future moments, queer individuals might see time as more cyclical, where moments can overlap and blend together. This approach to time allows for greater flexibility and openness during times of transition, allowing individuals to recognize that change is constant and nothing ever truly ends.
Meaning
The concept of meaning refers to the significance we assign to experiences, emotions, and relationships. Queer understandings prioritize personal agency and subjective interpretation over external validation or objective reality. In other words, queer individuals tend to focus on what an event means to them rather than what society at large thinks it should mean. This perspective can help to counteract societal pressure to conform to norms and expectations around major life changes. By recognizing that every individual has unique values and beliefs, queer individuals can navigate transitions with greater autonomy and authenticity.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt and cope with challenges or stressors without becoming overwhelmed or broken down. Queer individuals have historically faced significant discrimination and marginalization, making resilience a crucial skill for survival. This resilience can be applied to navigating transitional life events by recognizing that some things are beyond one's control and focusing on what can be controlled.
If someone loses their job, they could focus on finding a new one rather than dwelling on the loss itself. Similarly, if someone goes through a divorce, they could work on rebuilding their support system instead of dwelling on the breakdown of their marriage.
Transitional life events present opportunities for growth and transformation, but can also be accompanied by feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. By incorporating queer perspectives on temporality, meaning, and resilience, individuals can approach these changes with greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life experience.
How can transitional life events be navigated ethically through queer understandings of temporality, meaning, and resilience?
Transitional life events such as marriage, moving abroad, and having children are often experienced differently by queer individuals due to the added challenges of negotiating heteronormative expectations and cultural norms. To navigate these events with an ethical lens requires an understanding of one's own personal identity and values, as well as a willingness to challenge and redefine traditional notions of time, meaning, and resilience.