LGBTQ+ advice columnist John Paul Brammer will discuss his new memoir-in-essays ¡HOLA PAPI! in Left Bank Books Virtual Event

Left Bank Books and Women & Children First welcome LGBTQ+ advice columnist and writer John Paul Brammer, who will discuss his new memoir-in-essays ¡HOLA PAPI!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons, on June 16 at 7pm CT in a private online event. Brammer will be in a conversation with podcast host Natalie Dalea from WBEZ’s Curious City. This is an exclusive event that requires purchase of a SIGNED copy of ¡HOLA PAPI! or a $5 Event Ticket from Left Bank Books for admission.

From popular LGBTQ+ advice columnist and writer John Paul Brammer comes a hilarious, heartwarming memoir-in-essays chronicling his journey growing up as a queer, mixed-race kid in America's heartland to becoming the "Chicano Carrie Bradshaw" of his generation.

The first time someone called John Paul (JP) Brammer "Papi" was on the popular gay hookup app Grindr. At first, it was flattering; JP took this as white-guy speak for "hey, handsome." Who doesn't want to be called handsome? But then it happened again and again...and again, leaving JP wondering: Who the hell is Papi?

What started as a racialized moniker given to him on a hookup app soon became the inspiration for his now wildly popular advice column "¡Hola Papi!", launching his career as the Cheryl Strayed for young queer people everywhere--and some straight people too. JP had his doubts at first--what advice could he really offer while he himself stumbled through his early 20s? Sometimes the best advice to dole out comes from looking within, which is what JP has done in his column and book--and readers have flocked to him for honest, heartfelt wisdom, and of course a few laughs.

In ¡Hola Papi!, JP shares his story of growing up biracial and in the closet against the backdrop of America's heartland, while attempting to answer some of life's toughest questions: How do I let go of the past? How do I become the person I want to be? Is there such a thing as being too gay? Should I hook up with my grade school bully now that he's out of the closet? Questions we've all asked ourselves, surely.

With wit and wisdom in equal measure, ¡Hola Papi! is for anyone--gay, straight, and everything in between--who has ever taken stock of their unique place in the world, offering considered advice, intelligent discourse, and fits of laughter along the way. As #1 New York Times bestselling author Shea Serrano says: "I loved ¡Hola Papi! I'm certain you will too."

"If you haven't been subscribing to John Paul Brammer's ¡Hola Papi! advice newsletter, you've been missing tender and funny and sweet notes on how to go from friends to lovers, questionable Latinx fetishes, and broken hearts. His memoir uses his own life as the source material for hard-earned lessons, keeping the same funny and gentle voice along the way. Being biracial and closeted in rural Oklahoma means that sometimes you end up coming out in a Walmart parking lot, and Brammer is there to guide you along the way."-- REMEZCLA

"JP Brammer is the best storyteller. Every chapter of this amazing book will sweep you along on a tidal wave of suspense, wit, and gut-wrenching insights into the bewilderment of growing up and figuring out who you are. I love this book so much and I hope Brammer writes many more." --HEATHER HAVRILESKY, "Ask Polly" columnist and author of What If This Were Enough?

John Paul Brammer is an author, illustrator, and columnist from rural Oklahoma currently living in Brooklyn. He runs the popular advice column "¡Hola Papi!" on Substack. His work, including essays, short fiction, and illustrations, has appeared in The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Catapult, Business Insider, and many more. This is his first book. He runs a print shop where he puts his artwork and designs at https://HolaPapiShop.com. You can keep up with him on Twitter or Instagram @JPBrammer.

Natalie Dalea is a midwestern mestiza writer. She currently works for WBEZ’s Curious City, where she creates podcasts and digital stories about Chicago, the region, and its people. Other projects have included artist profiles, environmental journalism, and memoir ghostwriting. She is also editing a middle grade fiction novel about ballet dancers. When she’s not writing, Natalie can be found shooting urban photography around Chicago. Find her clips at Curious City, The Portalist, and the Field Museum Blogs. Follow her @nmdalea.

For more information, email Amber Norris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

https://www.left-bank.com/event/john-paul-brammer-hola-papi