ABOUT NEPTUNE
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My name is Neptune, I am 21 years old and I come from Malta. As someone who is deeply curious, passionate, and creative, I find joy in exploring the world through art, words, and ideas. Life, for me, is a colorful mix of self-expression, learning, and connection, and I’m always eager to dive into the things that spark my interest. To start, one of my favorite ways to express myself is through drag and make-up. There’s something magical about the transformative power of drag—it allows me to create and embody a character that’s uniquely mine while playing with identity and performance. Make-up, in particular, is like painting on a living canvas; it’s both a craft and an art form that lets me experiment with color, texture, and shape. When I step into a drag persona, I feel powerful and free. It’s not just about the aesthetic; it’s about telling a story, challenging norms, and embracing the fluidity of who we can be.
Fashion goes hand-in-hand with this love for self-expression. I see fashion as a form of wearable art —a way to visually communicate who I am or how I’m feeling without saying a word. I adore playing with styles, mixing vintage with contemporary, and finding ways to make bold statements. Fashion isn’t just about clothes to me; it’s a form of rebellion, a celebration of individuality, and away to connect with like-minded people. |
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Another passion of mine is performance. Whether it’s on stage, in front of a camera, or even in casual settings, performing allows me to channel my energy and creativity into something that resonates with others. It’s thrilling to share parts of myself, or a character I’ve created, and see how it connects with an audience. Performance, in all its forms, feels like an exchange of energy—a
chance to make people think, laugh, or feel something deeply. My love for performance ties into my commitment to queer activism. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel strongly about advocating for equality, acceptance, and visibility. Queer activism isn’t just about big marches or protests (though those are vital); it’s also about the everyday acts of kindness and courage that help build a more inclusive world. Sharing my story, creating art that challenges stereotypes, and supporting others in their journey is my way of contributing to themovement. |
Another passion of mine is performance. Whether it’s on stage, in front of a camera, or even in casual settings, performing allows me to channel my energy and creativity into something that resonates with others. It’s thrilling to share parts of myself, or a character I’ve created, and see how it connects with an audience. Performance, in all its forms, feels like an exchange of energy—a chance to make people think, laugh, or feel something deeply.
My love for performance ties into my commitment to queer activism. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel strongly about advocating for equality, acceptance, and visibility. Queer activism isn’t just about big marches or protests (though those are vital); it’s also about the everyday acts of kindness and courage that help build a more inclusive world. Sharing my story, creating art that challenges stereotypes, and supporting others in their journey is my way of contributing to the movement.
When I’m not immersed in the aforementioned pursuits, you’ll often find me reading or writing. I’ve always been captivated by the power of stories—how they can transport us to new worlds, challenge our perspectives, and help us understand ourselves and others better. I especially enjoy reading queer literature, feminist theory, and anything that dives into the complexities of identity and culture. Writing is a natural extension of this love for reading. It’s how I process my thoughts, share my ideas, and make sense of the world. Whether I’m crafting essays, poems, stories, or just journaling, writing feels like both a challenge and a refuge.
I also have a deep appreciation for analyzing literature. There’s something so satisfying about peeling back the layers of a literary text to uncover its deeper meanings and themes. I love examining how authors use language, structure, and symbolism to convey their ideas. It’s like solving a puzzle—one that reveals not just the writer’s intentions but also insights into history, society, and human nature.
Speaking of language, I have a fascination with linguistics. The way we communicate, the evolution of words, and the cultural nuances embedded in language all intrigue me. I enjoy studying the mechanics of how we express ourselves and how language shapes our reality. It’s amazing to think about how words carry so much power, from forming connections to shaping identities. Researching is another activity that brings me joy. I’m naturally curious, and diving deep into a topic feels like embarking on an adventure. Whether it’s exploring historical contexts for a piece of literature, understanding the intricacies of drag culture, or learning about social movements, research helps me satisfy my hunger for knowledge. It also gives me a sense of purpose, as I can use what I’ve learned to inform my creative work or activism.
Finally, I couldn’t talk about myself without mentioning my love for music. Music has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me. I enjoy everything from pop and indie to classical andexperimental sounds, depending on my mood. Music has a way of amplifying emotions, helping me feel more connected to myself and others. I also enjoy exploring the intersection of music with other art forms, such as using songs in performances or analyzing lyrics like poetry. At the heart of all these interests is a deep love for self-expression and connection. I’m driven by a desire to explore who I am, celebrate individuality, and create spaces where others can do the same. Whether I’m blending bold colors on a make-up palette, diving into a dense piece of literature, or advocating for queer visibility, I feel most alive when I’m engaging with the world authentically and thoughtfully.
My love for performance ties into my commitment to queer activism. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel strongly about advocating for equality, acceptance, and visibility. Queer activism isn’t just about big marches or protests (though those are vital); it’s also about the everyday acts of kindness and courage that help build a more inclusive world. Sharing my story, creating art that challenges stereotypes, and supporting others in their journey is my way of contributing to the movement.
When I’m not immersed in the aforementioned pursuits, you’ll often find me reading or writing. I’ve always been captivated by the power of stories—how they can transport us to new worlds, challenge our perspectives, and help us understand ourselves and others better. I especially enjoy reading queer literature, feminist theory, and anything that dives into the complexities of identity and culture. Writing is a natural extension of this love for reading. It’s how I process my thoughts, share my ideas, and make sense of the world. Whether I’m crafting essays, poems, stories, or just journaling, writing feels like both a challenge and a refuge.
I also have a deep appreciation for analyzing literature. There’s something so satisfying about peeling back the layers of a literary text to uncover its deeper meanings and themes. I love examining how authors use language, structure, and symbolism to convey their ideas. It’s like solving a puzzle—one that reveals not just the writer’s intentions but also insights into history, society, and human nature.
Speaking of language, I have a fascination with linguistics. The way we communicate, the evolution of words, and the cultural nuances embedded in language all intrigue me. I enjoy studying the mechanics of how we express ourselves and how language shapes our reality. It’s amazing to think about how words carry so much power, from forming connections to shaping identities. Researching is another activity that brings me joy. I’m naturally curious, and diving deep into a topic feels like embarking on an adventure. Whether it’s exploring historical contexts for a piece of literature, understanding the intricacies of drag culture, or learning about social movements, research helps me satisfy my hunger for knowledge. It also gives me a sense of purpose, as I can use what I’ve learned to inform my creative work or activism.
Finally, I couldn’t talk about myself without mentioning my love for music. Music has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me. I enjoy everything from pop and indie to classical andexperimental sounds, depending on my mood. Music has a way of amplifying emotions, helping me feel more connected to myself and others. I also enjoy exploring the intersection of music with other art forms, such as using songs in performances or analyzing lyrics like poetry. At the heart of all these interests is a deep love for self-expression and connection. I’m driven by a desire to explore who I am, celebrate individuality, and create spaces where others can do the same. Whether I’m blending bold colors on a make-up palette, diving into a dense piece of literature, or advocating for queer visibility, I feel most alive when I’m engaging with the world authentically and thoughtfully.
Life in KošiceLiving in Košice has been a mixed bag of experiences. On the one hand, I’m surrounded by beauty. The nature here is breathtaking, with wonderful hills and calm forests just a short trip away. The city itself is charming, too, with its colorful architecture and historical flair. Walking through the old town, with its pastel facades and cobblestone streets, feels like stepping into a postcard. But despite these positives, life in Košice has its challenges. One paradox I’ve observed is the arrogance of some of the people here. While many are kind and helpful, there’s a certain sharpness or aloofness in interactions that can make it hard to feel fully at home. The city also has a cutthroat atmosphere that can feel stifling, especially when it comes to work or social dynamics. And then there’s the blandness—Košice, for all its visual charm, can feel stagnant. The routine here doesn’t leave much room for excitement, and the boredom sometimes feels like an unwelcome companion.
This sense of staleness is perhaps why I enjoyed my visit to Lithuania in May so much—it was like a breath of fresh air. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth of the people. Lithuanians, in my experience, have a way of making you feel welcome without overstepping. There’s a genuine kindness in their interactions that I found refreshing. |
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The cultural richness of Lithuania also left a deep impression on me. Whether it was wandering through the medieval streets of Vilnius, visiting an exhibition about gender and sexuality in the Baltics, or eating šaltibarščiai, I felt immersed in a world that valued its history and identity. What stood out most was the seamless blend of tradition and modernity—the way old colourful churches stood proudly beside sleek, contemporary structures. Lithuania felt alive, vibrant, and full of stories waiting to be discovered, especially in the alternative Republic of Užupis, a cultural area of Vilnius that promotes creativity and houses artists.
Another highlight was attending Vienna Pride. It was a colorful celebration of love, identity, and resistance, and being there felt empowering. Seeing so many people come together, dressed in vibrant outfits and waving rainbow flags, was a reminder of the strength of the queer community.
But Vienna Pride wasn’t without its complexities. The heat was intense, and finding shade became a survival skill. The commercialism also stood out—it was hard to miss the corporations using the event to market themselves rather than genuinely supporting the cause. There was also the experience with the rude volunteer from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jane Doe as we called her after, who forced me to drink alcohol and was then expelled. That was something.
One thing that left me feeling uneasy was the resistance to Palestinian activism. Pride is supposed to be about inclusion and solidarity, yet seeing certain voices excluded or dismissed felt contradictory to the event’s spirit. It was a reminder that even within spaces of celebration, there’s work to be done to ensure everyone feels seen and heard.
In contrast, Trnava Pride in June was a smaller, more intimate affair. It lacked the grandeur of Vienna Pride, but that’s precisely what made it special. The atmosphere was warm and personal,and it felt like a safe space where everyone truly cared about each other. The speeches and performances were moving, and I found myself connecting deeply with the messages shared, even though I couldn’t understand a word. Being part of such an event in Slovakia, where queer visibility is still a work in progress, felt significant. It reminded me of the importance of showing up, even in smaller towns, to create ripples of change. We also took part in a zine-making workshop which was really interesting and propelled me to the struggle for liberationfor everybody. Being part of queer community meetings at Prizma has been a wonderful experience for me. These gatherings are more than just social events—they’re spaces of connection, learning, and solidarity. Meeting people who share similar experiences and struggles has given me a sense of belonging Idon’t always feel in Košice. We’ve shared stories and supported each other in ways big and small.
These meetings have been a reminder that even in challenging environments, there’s always a network of people ready to uplift each other. Last month I attended a film festival at Kino Úsmev. Watching films from around the world, often with queer themes or perspectives, has been both enlightening and moving. Film festivals are more
than just screenings—they’re conversations. Each movie sparks thoughts, questions, and emotions; discussing them with others is one of my favorite parts of the experience. I attended a workshop focused on narrative techniques, which allowed me to delve deeper into my writing process and focus my stories on tenderness, joy and marginalised communities who have been censored. Reflecting on these experiences, I feel a mix of gratitude and anticipation. Living in Košice has its challenges, but it’s also a home base that allows me to explore and grow. My travels and connections have enriched my life in ways I never imagined, and I’m excited to see where the next
chapter takes me. Whether it’s continuing to explore new cities, deepening my involvement in queer activism, or simply finding joy in the everyday moments, I’m ready for whatever comes next. Withall its ups and downs, life is a journey worth embracing.