¡Hola Papi!: The Voice of a Generation Navigating Love, Loss, and the End of the World
John Paul Brammer, better known as ¡Hola Papi!, is an internet phenomenon. His advice column, launched in 2017, has become a beacon for a generation grappling with LGBTQ+ identity, navigating dating in the digital age, and facing the overwhelming anxieties of a rapidly changing world.
But Brammer wasn’t always the confident, comedic voice he is today. Growing up closeted in a small Oklahoma town, he felt like an outsider, constantly yearning for escape. “I was always a little bit desperate to get out,” he says, reflecting on his childhood. This yearning for connection and authenticity would eventually drive him to build a space where others could find solace and guidance.
Brammer’s journey into the world of online writing began with clickbait articles filled with exaggerated headlines and dramatic narratives. He saw this as a valuable learning experience, honing his ability to grab attention and shape narratives in the vast digital landscape. This understanding of internet culture proved crucial to his eventual success.
“I learned what makes people click on things and how to snag people’s attention in the blurry digital sea of the internet,” Brammer explains. He learned to craft a unique voice, one that would resonate with an audience yearning for genuine connection and honest storytelling.
In 2017, a friend working at Grindr suggested Brammer contribute to their new LGBTQ+ editorial website, Into. He saw this as a chance to break free from the repetitive, shallow nature of clickbait and bring authenticity to his writing. His ¡Hola Papi! column blossomed, establishing him as the Chicano Carrie Bradshaw of the digital age.
The column’s success stems from its unapologetic honesty and unique approach to advice. Brammer tackles topics ranging from dating woes and hookup culture to the anxieties of climate change and the struggles of coming out in a conservative world. He weaves humor, vulnerability, and insightful observations into his writing, creating a safe space for readers to feel seen and understood.
“Ultimately, you’re right to be afraid. I’m afraid. But fear isn’t the only thing,” he tells one reader who wrote in about their fear of climate change. This response encapsulates the essence of ¡Hola Papi!: acknowledging the anxieties of this moment while offering a path forward. It’s not just about dispensing advice, but about sharing vulnerabilities, building community, and finding strength in collective experience.
Brammer’s column has become more than just a space for advice; it has evolved into a platform for creative expression. He expands his reach further with his own books, illustrations, and essays. Through these various mediums, he continues to build community and offer a much-needed voice to a generation grappling with complex challenges.
“I’m on the M train going from Ridgewood to 30 Rock, and I am exhausted because I didn’t sleep the night before because I was up talking to some Russian source over the phone about the gay purge in Chechnya and I could barely understand what they were saying through their accent, and I’m on train composing a Teen Vogue puff piece in the notes app on my iPhone about how Kylie Jenner matched her dress with her fidget spinner, and I just want to die.”
This personal anecdote powerfully captures the reality of Brammer’s experience as a freelance writer, juggling contradictory assignments and navigating a media landscape filled with superficiality and exploitation. It exemplifies his commitment to bringing authentic voices to a digital world often saturated with manufactured narratives.
Brammer’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond his writing. He actively engages with his audience on social media, employing humor and sharp wit to address contemporary issues and foster meaningful conversations. He refuses to shy away from complex topics, even when facing criticism and negativity.
“I’m never quitting Twitter, er, X,” he declares, recognizing the power of social media as a tool for building community and amplifying voices. He understands that while digital spaces can sometimes be hostile, they also offer immense potential for connection, understanding, and shared vulnerability.
Through his work, Brammer has established himself as a leading voice for a generation searching for authenticity and connection in an ever-shifting world. He empowers readers to embrace their vulnerabilities, celebrate their differences, and navigate the complexities of life with humor, honesty, and an unwavering spirit. He’s more than just an advice columnist; he’s a storyteller, a cultural commentator, and a champion for LGBTQ+ inclusivity and self-acceptance. ¡Hola Papi! continues to inspire and connect with readers across the globe, proving that a voice built on honesty and empathy holds the power to change the world, one heartfelt word at a time.
