The concept of "queer time" has emerged in recent years to describe how people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) may experience their own life histories differently than heterosexuals or cisgender individuals. This can have implications for the way they tell stories about themselves and construct meaningful narratives throughout their lives. One of the main ways that queer temporality manifests is through an awareness of the social and cultural forces that shape individual experiences.
Many LGBTQIA+ people are subjected to discrimination, marginalization, and stigma due to their identities, which can lead to feelings of alienation and disconnection from dominant cultural narratives. As a result, they may develop alternative perspectives on time, such as seeing it as more fluid or flexible, or emphasizing personal agency and self-determination over external pressures. This can create unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to creating a coherent life story.
Another aspect of queer temporality is the emphasis on embodied experiences. Many LGBTQIA+ people report feeling more attuned to their physical sensations and emotions, leading them to be more present in the moment and less focused on abstract concepts like time. This can make them more open to exploring new experiences and relationships, but also makes it harder to plan long-term goals or envision future outcomes.
The stigmatization and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ people can lead to greater stress and anxiety, which can affect their sense of temporal flow. This can make it difficult to maintain consistent routines and structures, which are often seen as essential to building a strong sense of identity and purpose.
The experience of queer temporality can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, even if it creates unique challenges for constructing a life narrative. By recognizing how societal forces shape our perceptions of time and embracing the body's role in shaping our sense of self, LGBTQIA+ individuals can find greater meaning and fulfillment in their lives.