Identity transformation refers to the process through which an individual changes their sense of self, including their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, age, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, or professional occupation. This change can occur gradually over time, resulting in a gradual shift in one's perception of oneself, or it can happen suddenly after experiencing a significant life event such as moving to another country, losing a loved one, divorce, retirement, illness, trauma, or tragedy. Non-binary temporality is the concept that time does not follow a linear path but instead fluctuates between past, present, and future, allowing for multiple interpretations of identity based on context and circumstance. It challenges traditional Western views of time as progressing in a straight line from beginning to end, and instead suggests that different cultures may experience time differently, making identity transformations more fluid and complex.
I will discuss how non-binary temporality impacts identity transformation by examining three key aspects: personal narratives, social norms, and cultural expectations. Personal narratives are stories individuals tell themselves about who they are and what their place is in the world, often influenced by family history, childhood experiences, education, relationships, media consumption, and other factors. The past can be a source of comfort and stability, while the future provides opportunities for growth and innovation. Social norms refer to societal standards for behavior and belief, including those related to gender roles, marriage, parenting, career choices, and lifestyle preferences. Cultural expectations involve shared values and practices within a particular group, such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, or age. Each of these elements shapes an individual's sense of self, and each is subject to change over time, depending on external influences and internal shifts.
Non-binary temporality acknowledges that all of these factors are interconnected and dynamic, rather than fixed or static.
Someone who identifies as transgender may have experienced a gradual shift in gender identity over time, influenced by personal experiences, social expectations, and cultural norms. This person might describe their journey as cyclical, with periods of transition, stagnation, regression, and progression. Their relationship to the past, present, and future would likely differ from someone who has always identified as cisgender (not transgender). Similarly, someone who changes careers or retires later in life might feel out of place but also excited about new opportunities. Non-binary temporality allows them to view their identity transformation as part of a larger cycle, rather than a linear path towards one specific destination.
Non-binary temporality challenges traditional views of identity transformation by recognizing its multidimensional nature and emphasizing context over time. Personal narratives, social norms, and cultural expectations all influence identity transformations, which can happen gradually or suddenly, incrementally or radically. By understanding the complex ways in which time intersects with identity, we can better support individuals experiencing identity transformations and promote greater acceptance of diverse perspectives on selfhood.
What insights about identity transformation emerge from non-binary temporality, and how do they challenge linear understandings of selfhood?
Identity transformation involves experiencing one's sense of self differently over time, which may be influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors that shape our perception of who we are and what we want to become. Non-linear understandings of selfhood suggest that identity is not static but rather dynamic, fluid, and multidimensional, with no fixed beginning or end.