Author and advocate John Paul Padilla transitions to music, empowering the LGBTQ+ community with songs of self-love and inclusion. Available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
John Paul Padilla has spent years inspiring others through his work as an author and anti-bullying advocate. But now, he’s taking his mission to a whole new level, through music. With his recent song releases, “This Is Me” and “Este Soy Yo,” Padilla is expanding his message of self-love and inclusion to reach a broader audience, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. His music, filled with positive, empowering messages, aims to promote authenticity, kindness, and the freedom to be yourself, no matter who you love or how you identify.
But Padilla’s journey didn’t start with music. It began with his award-winning children’s book series, Johnny Big Ears, which teaches kids about empathy, inclusion, and the importance of standing up to bullying. These themes of self-acceptance and courage continue to resonate in his music, and now, with the release of his songs, Padilla is shifting the focus to adults, hoping to inspire the same messages of kindness and bravery in listeners of all ages.
From Author to Songwriter: A Journey of Self-Love and Inclusion
For Padilla, the transition from author to songwriter feels like a natural next step in his journey of self-expression. His creative roots run deep, with a background in poetry, dance, and modeling. These early creative outlets laid the groundwork for his later work as a writer and advocate. But it was through his personal experiences, especially as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, that Padilla felt compelled to use music as another way to reach people.
“I’ve always been passionate about encouraging others to embrace who they are, and music has such a powerful way of connecting with people’s hearts,” Padilla explains. “My books for children focused on teaching kindness, empathy, and self-acceptance, but now, as a songwriter, I’m creating songs that remind adults, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, that they too deserve to live authentically and love themselves just as they are.”
Music has always been a significant part of Padilla’s life, and his decision to write and release songs is about more than just creating catchy tunes. It’s about making a deeper impact, reaching individuals who may be struggling with self-acceptance, especially within marginalized communities, and showing them that they are not alone.
“This Is Me” and “Este Soy Yo”: Anthems for the LGBTQ+ Community

Released on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, Padilla’s songs “This Is Me” and “Este Soy Yo” are anthems of self-love and inclusion. Both songs are designed to empower listeners to celebrate their unique identities and reject societal pressures to conform. The songs send a bold, empowering message: You are enough.
“These songs are for anyone who has ever felt they weren’t good enough because they were different, whether that difference is their sexuality, gender identity, or simply the way they see the world,” Padilla says. “I want to remind people that being yourself is the most important thing you can do. You are worthy of love, respect, and happiness exactly as you are.”
His music draws heavily from his own experiences, particularly as a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. As an ally, Padilla has always sought to use his platform to elevate marginalized voices and promote acceptance. “The LGBTQ+ community has faced so much adversity and hate,” Padilla says, “and if I can use my music to help people feel empowered, seen, and loved, then I’m doing something right.”
Both “This Is Me” and “Este Soy Yo” resonate with listeners of all ages, providing a soundtrack for those in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond who are striving to live their truth, embrace their individuality, and overcome feelings of doubt or rejection.
Expanding the Message: Books, Music, and a Call for Kindness
While Padilla’s new music is definitely a highlight, it’s not entirely separate from his earlier work. His children’s books, like Johnny Big Ears, continue to play a central role in his advocacy. The books, which have received numerous awards including the Mom’s Choice Award, have been a key tool for teaching children the importance of inclusion, empathy, and self-respect.
“My books were always about encouraging kids to be kind and inclusive, but now that my music is reaching adults, I see how much of that same message is needed at all ages,” Padilla says. “Music has the power to reach people in ways that other forms of media sometimes can’t. It transcends age, background, and experience, and that’s what I want to tap into.”
Padilla’s focus on the LGBTQ+ community is deeply personal, and he hopes that his work, both as an author and a songwriter, will contribute to a world that’s more accepting of differences and more focused on spreading love. “Music, like literature, can be a tool for change,” Padilla reflects. “I want to create an environment where everyone feels accepted for who they are, no matter their race, gender, sexuality, or background.”
A Bright Future of Empowerment Through Music
As Padilla continues to create and release music, he is committed to keeping his advocacy at the forefront of his work. His journey from author to songwriter is more than just a career move; it’s a continuation of his mission to spread love, empower others, and fight against hate and prejudice.
“I’ve always wanted my work to uplift and inspire people,” Padilla shares. “Whether it’s through a book or a song, I want my message to be clear: You are important. You are loved. And you are never alone in this journey.”
With more songs in the works and his creative vision expanding, John Paul Padilla’s message of kindness, inclusivity, and self-love will continue to echo across music platforms and beyond.
Listen to the Music, Embrace Your Truth
To experience the empowering messages of John Paul Padilla’s music, be sure to check out his songs, “This Is Me” and “Este Soy Yo,” now available on Spotify (Link to Spotify), Apple Music (Link to Apple Music), and Amazon Music (Link to Amazon Music). Also, dive into his Johnny Big Ears book series to share the message of inclusion and kindness with the young ones in your life.
Stay connected with Padilla through his social media for updates on new music and upcoming projects that continue his mission of empowerment and self-love:
- TikTok: Padilla Goldworks
- Facebook: Padilla Goldworks
- Facebook: John Paul Padilla
- Instagram: Johnny Big Ears
Let the music inspire you, and remember: This is me, this is you, this is us.