Queer temporalities refer to the way that queer people experience time differently than cisgender heterosexual individuals. This can include experiencing nonlinear, circular, or even simultaneous time. In this article, we will explore how these different types of time can inform our understanding of personal history and future aspirations.
Nonlinear time is a concept that allows for events to happen in a seemingly random order.
One moment could feel like a memory from the past while another feels like it's happening right now. Queer temporalities may be experienced through this lens, where certain moments are recalled out of sequence. These memories can be important because they provide insight into who we are as people and how we came to be. They can also be used to shape our future goals and ambitions. By remembering moments from our past that were significant, we can gain perspective on what has worked well for us in the past and apply those lessons to our future endeavors.
Circular time is when there is no clear beginning or end to an event. It might feel like we're stuck in a loop, repeating the same patterns over and over again. Queer temporalities can take advantage of this by recognizing cycles within our lives and using them to break free from destructive patterns. By identifying cycles in our behavior, we can recognize areas where we get stuck and find ways to move forward.
Simultaneous time is when multiple things occur at once without any linear progression. Queer temporalities allow us to experience this type of time more fully, as we often have multiple desires and passions competing with each other. We can use this to our advantage by allowing ourselves to pursue different interests simultaneously. This can lead to new insights and creative solutions that wouldn't otherwise come about if we limited ourselves to just one path.
Queer temporalities offer alternative ways to structure personal history and future aspiration. By embracing these concepts, we can create a more expansive view of ourselves and our potential.
How might queer temporalities offer alternative ways to structure personal history and future aspiration?
Queer temporalities may provide nonlinear structures for individuals who do not identify with the heteronormative time frame of society. This can involve challenging traditional chronologies and conceptions of life stages such as childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age by resisting the normative linear progression from youth to adulthood to aging.