Hello and Welcome! 🌈

My name is Stefan, and I am currently working in a public library. During my childhood and teenage years, I was an avid reader, wrote small stories, and always dreamed of working in a library surrounded by books. There’s something magical about being enveloped by shelves filled with stories, knowledge, and imagination - that’s why I also built my own library at home. Over the years, my interests shifted, and I took various paths, but somehow, through detours, I managed to secure a job in a public library. It still feels like I am on a lifelong journey to discover who I am.

I was born in a german socialist country that no longer exists, known to me only through stories and depictions by others. I was raised with ideals that seem to hold little value today, as they contrast sharply with capitalism. It is strange to witness all these memorabilia and ephemera slowly vanish, even though they once had significant influence. It’s peculiar to think that you can be shaped by ideas, places, and people you’ve never met, all while trying to carve out your own niche and identity, and still wondering, “Who am I, and what is life really about?” (Yes, melancholia is no stranger to me.)

Identity is a fragile concept and a topic that has followed me for quite some time, especially as a gay person. My current journey of self-discovery has been deeply influenced by my love for literature, history, technology, and creative expression - complete with all its depths and highs.

What does this look Like?

I studied history and philosophy, and it’s intriguing to observe the repetition of patterns in history. This fascination may have drawn me to photography, as a means to capture fleeting moments in time. I find joy in the tangible nature of analog photography. There’s a unique beauty in capturing moments on film. I enjoy photographing small details that others might overlook, nature, landscapes, fleeting impressions of light and sometimes taking pictures without even knowing why. My old GDR and Soviet cameras are trusty companions in this endeavor. I also enjoy using my Polaroid camera and experimenting with Lomography, where each shot can be a delightful surprise.

That aspect of me that likes writing and literature is finally co-organizing a queer reading stage with curated readings and open mic events. I also volunteer with the AG Queer Lichtenberg if my time allows it.

In the digital realm, I am an advocate for Linux. I appreciate the freedom and flexibility that open-source software provides. I love tinkering with different distributions and exploring the vast ecosystem that Linux offers. Additionally, I co-organize a Linux User Group and volunteer with the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE). I believe in the importance of free software and the rights of users to control their digital lives.

My curiosity also extends to the technical aspects of the internet, such as domains, DNS, and ICANN-related topics (I worked for a domain registrar for several years). I am always eager to learn more about how the web functions and the intricacies of digital identities. Additionally, I’m a Pythonista at heart, although I’ve taken a few steps back from programming to enjoy other aspects of life. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable tool for me.

I hope to share my passions, insights, and experiences (even if it just for myself) while exploring the worlds of literature, photography, history, technology, and gaming. I have a ton of ideas listed out, but translating them into coherent sentences is another story. I could make a myriad of things from prose to lists, to stories about my life, my work, photography or anything else I can think of. Or maybe, none of the above and I end up with just a few sentences when my mood is low.

Feel free to reach out, and thank you for stopping by!