In this “Orwellian dystopia” that at one time was considered a ruse before it became reality, everyone is questioning life before and during this regime. I myself rejected Facebook in 2020 and the rest on Roman Salute day in 2025. I find myself on here still looking for a place to vent and scream out to the world the grim reality that grows darker every day. I find my past self foolish and my current state ominously getting ready for a struggle like never before. There’s a storm brewing and we all feel it in our guts but expressing it feels hapless and somewhat hopeless except for the acknowledgment of finding those willing to acknowledge the same sense of anxiety. It may seem pointless to a degree to give advice but now is the perfect moment to allow yourself to lead the charge for the next fight externally and internally. May this empower you once again.
“Take a risk. Bet on yourself. Trust people, as they have trusted you. It will be fine. It might even be fun. To my cherished readers: Develop a powerful kick.” ❤️🩹
This gives me so much to chew on. I’ve been following you for so so so long, and have always loved your writing. I graduated college in 2017. I used to want to be a journalist, but now I’m a jaded research librarian. A lot of this resonated with me, especially since my relationship to social media grows more complicated these days.
over the last 8 years it hasn't always been easy or fun to be young, gay, and online, but your work made it seem easier and more fun :) thankful for all the wonderful words you shared with us
Heartbreaking- thank you for literally being the reason I ever thought about wanting to write. And I am sorry that when I was in my early twenties I totally stole your cadence of speech for all of my essays (it’s ok only 2 people read them.)
I love your writing so much - whatever form it is, we are so grateful for your work/jokes/turns of phrase! See you on the other side of this new/old shift. Xx (ps “sadists wearing halos” 👌🏽👌🏽)
the last con mucho amor ... oh i teared up :,)
As long as John Paul is writing, my will to live is possible.
As long as you are writing something, I will read it!
In this “Orwellian dystopia” that at one time was considered a ruse before it became reality, everyone is questioning life before and during this regime. I myself rejected Facebook in 2020 and the rest on Roman Salute day in 2025. I find myself on here still looking for a place to vent and scream out to the world the grim reality that grows darker every day. I find my past self foolish and my current state ominously getting ready for a struggle like never before. There’s a storm brewing and we all feel it in our guts but expressing it feels hapless and somewhat hopeless except for the acknowledgment of finding those willing to acknowledge the same sense of anxiety. It may seem pointless to a degree to give advice but now is the perfect moment to allow yourself to lead the charge for the next fight externally and internally. May this empower you once again.
“Take a risk. Bet on yourself. Trust people, as they have trusted you. It will be fine. It might even be fun. To my cherished readers: Develop a powerful kick.” ❤️🩹
Your musings on broken bones reached me at the right time and have truly stayed with me since.
Always excited for any writing you gift us with <3
As another anxious gay, your writing really helped by sharing the confusion and reveling in the absurdity of the lived experince. Thank you!
This gives me so much to chew on. I’ve been following you for so so so long, and have always loved your writing. I graduated college in 2017. I used to want to be a journalist, but now I’m a jaded research librarian. A lot of this resonated with me, especially since my relationship to social media grows more complicated these days.
JP you make me feel less alone
over the last 8 years it hasn't always been easy or fun to be young, gay, and online, but your work made it seem easier and more fun :) thankful for all the wonderful words you shared with us
Heartbreaking- thank you for literally being the reason I ever thought about wanting to write. And I am sorry that when I was in my early twenties I totally stole your cadence of speech for all of my essays (it’s ok only 2 people read them.)
I am so happy the column connected me to your work, and now I get to read whatever you put out because it will obviously be good! Forever a fan
I love your writing so much - whatever form it is, we are so grateful for your work/jokes/turns of phrase! See you on the other side of this new/old shift. Xx (ps “sadists wearing halos” 👌🏽👌🏽)
We aren’t crying because it’s over, we’re smiling because it happened :’)
(In all seriousness, thanks for years of thoughtful, interesting writing. Can’t wait for what’s next.)