Temporal unmooring is when one feels detached from traditional concepts of time. This can happen for various reasons, such as experiencing trauma, living abroad, changing jobs, having children, or aging. Queerness of time refers to how society views gender roles and norms. It also involves questioning existing structures of power, privilege, oppression, and discrimination based on biases related to race, class, ability, and religion. Temporal queerness invites people to explore their sense of self and identity beyond binary categories of past/present/future. By understanding temporal disorientation, people may discover new ways to be present in their bodies and minds.
The history of temporality has been closely intertwined with social constructs that have shaped gender roles and sexuality. In ancient societies, time was often viewed as cyclical, seasonal, or ritualistic. This led to a more fluid view of gender identities and sexual practices. With colonialism, industrialization, capitalism, and modernity, however, linear time became dominant, leading to strict definitions of masculinity and femininity based on patriarchal values. The concept of "chrononormativity" describes this rigid adherence to linear time and its impact on individuals' lives.
Queer theory suggests that there are multiple possible conceptions of time outside the mainstream narrative. Time is not fixed but fluid and dynamic, with no single authoritative way of measuring it. This allows people to challenge norms and create alternative models that embrace multiplicity and complexity.
Some indigenous cultures believe in circular rather than linear time, where past events influence future ones. This can inform understandings of memory, trauma, healing, and spirituality.
Temporal unmooring can lead to feelings of disconnection from others who don't share one's experience. It also raises questions about personal identity, agency, and belonging. Some people use meditation or mindfulness practices to ground themselves in the present moment, while others explore creative expression through art or writing. Others seek community support or professional therapy for help coping with anxiety or depression caused by temporal upheaval.
Understanding temporal queerness helps us see beyond traditional concepts of time and gender roles. By exploring new ways of being and becoming, we can reimagine ourselves as complex beings capable of navigating life's challenges with resilience and flexibility.
What does it mean to feel temporally unmoored, to exist between times or outside them, and how might queerness of time reveal new dimensions of being and becoming?
Feeling temporarily unmoored can refer to the disruption of one's sense of temporal stability, often due to unexpected changes or events that occur during their life course. This feeling may lead individuals to experience feelings of anxiety, confusion, or loss of control over their lives. Queerness of time, on the other hand, refers to a nonlinear understanding of time that challenges traditional notions of linearity and chronology.