For years, Johann Vera's parents urged him for years to stay silent about his sexuality. They offered a multitude of warnings: “If you say that, you're going to kill your grandparents"; “you're inciting your followers to do bad things."
“They knew I was gay," the singer and actor tells GRAMMY.com. “But in our family, topics like that were simply never discussed."
Vera's silence finally broke during rehearsals for a musical in his native Ecuador, when one of his castmates showed up visibly beaten. “He had gone out partying with his boyfriend, and they were attacked [for being part of the LGBTQ+ community]," the singer recalls.
It was then — regardless of his parents’ judgment or that of the world — that Vera decided to write the songs that would become his EP Nada importa en verdad (Nothing Really Matters), released in January. “I wanted to spark conversations through my music," says the artist, who was raised in Colombia and, at the time, lived with his younger sister and older brother in their parents’ home — both of whom supported him as he navigated coming out. “Each song tells the story of my life. I lived in fear for most of it."
Despite being a public figure since 2007— when he became a finalist on Colombia’s "Factor X" alongside Camilo and Greeicy — it took Vera years to overcome his fear. He released "Closet," the first single from his most recent EP, in January 2025 and publicly shared his sexual orientation for the first time through his lyrics.
"I made an impact. Many people told me that thanks to my song and the video, they were able to come out or have meaningful conversations with their families," Vera says with pride.
Vera's work and influence was recognized by Ricky Martin, whom he met in 2015 during the first season of the reality show "La Banda" (created by Simon Cowell and produced by Martin). Since then, the Latin music icon star has become a mentor and something of a musical godfather to Vera. "I would love to collaborate with him because he’s been so close to my career," Vera shares. "He’s also part of our community [LGBTQ+]."
Vera is celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month loudly for the first time, including performing in a Pride parade in Mexico City, where he has lived since early 2025. He's also putting the finishing touches on two new songs set for release in the coming months, and recorded a new version of "Closet," with friend and collaborator Christian Chávez. Their version aims to raise awareness and prompt reflection on the discrimination faced by their community. "We want to spark reflection as a team," Vera tells GRAMMY.com. "We decided to record a new version of the song — to no longer remain silent."
Even though Vera is no longer silent about his identity, his grandparents have come around. "Their love is unconditional," he replies with a smile. The actor, known for his roles in series such as "Champeta: El Ritmo de la Tierra," "Club 57," and "Primate" adds, "When I went to visit them at their house, they just wanted to spend time with me — nothing else mattered."
Although his parents have been less accepting, Vera finds comfort in expressing his feelings through songs on his EP. "Maletas en mi cuarto," for example, reflects on the pain and bravery of saying goodbye to the people you love most in order to be happy. "It’s a matter of giving them time," Vera tells GRAMMY.com.
Today, he finds refuge in a new love and channels that strength to continue building his story. "I want to honor the name of my country and make the community I come from feel represented, seen, and proud."
That same drive to live truthfully and with intention is what fuels his latest chapter. After years of silence, self-discovery, and personal growth,Vera is ready to speak his truth through music and in this exclusive Q&A with GRAMMY.com, the artist opens up about the process behind his most personal EP yet — and how love, identity, and honesty shaped every lyric.
How did you create your EP?
The entire EP is rooted in the work I did with my therapist. She encouraged me to bring out what I had kept hidden. I approached this project with great responsibility — I didn’t want to sexualize anything. I wanted to create music free of stigma, to raise awareness, and to spark meaningful conversations.
Each song tells the story of something I lived through. I spent so long trying to make everyone like me, and in the end, I realized that nothing really matters. The title track is a reminder of how I want to live and what I want to focus on. It took more than 55 demos to narrow it down to just six songs. The EP also reflects more than nine years of making music and finally connecting with something deeper. It captures my entire journey.
Are you also referring to the process you went through with your family when speaking about your sexuality?
Yes. For my family, speaking publicly about my homosexuality was considered a bad idea. The subject was never openly discussed with them. But through therapy, I came to understand that this, too, is a form of repression. At its core, it's saying, I accept you, but I don’t fully accept you, and that can be even more painful. Sometimes, it might even feel easier to hear someone say, "I don’t want you in my life."
And this isn’t just my story — it’s something I’ve seen in many others within the LGBTQ+ community. A lot of people have been brave enough to speak up, but there’s still a lingering bitterness: not being able to bring a partner home, not being able to talk openly with your family. In the end, it keeps you living in the closet.
How is your relationship with your family now that you've released this EP?
I created this EP to find freedom within myself. If it's complicated for them, that's their journey to navigate. I no longer limit what I think or feel. I’m at peace with who I am. I can speak freely, I can say I like someone, and that in itself is healing. I’ve done the inner work and taken a huge weight off my shoulders. Now it’s up to them to decide how they want to handle it.
My maternal grandfather, for example, when he saw me after I released the music, his love for me as his grandson was all that mattered. He gave me a genuine, heartfelt hug. On my father’s side, my grandmother is very Catholic and my grandfather is a NASA scientist — but even so, when I message them, they stop everything they’re doing and just want to spend time with me as soon as I arrive in Quito.
With my parents, it’s still a work in progress. But from my side, there’s no fear, no emotional weight. I remain hopeful. I truly believe that discomfort often comes right before a personal rebirth.
If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would it be?
I would tell young Johann that nothing else matters — that he should never doubt who he is or question his talent. I’d remind him not to overthink things to the point of self-sabotage.
What has this Pride Month meant to you personally and professionally?
This June has been particularly meaningful because it marks the moment, I came out publicly with the release of "Closet." Since then, some amazing opportunities have come up, like collaborating with Christian Chávez. He has a beautiful song called "Si te hablara de él," ("If I told you about him") which really resonated with me. I believe in music that speaks honestly about love within the LGBTQ+ community.
I was also a huge RBD fan growing up, so working with him has been incredibly special. Christian was one of the first public figures who had no problem embracing his identity, and he’s long been an activist and advocate for our rights. We connected on a deep level — we both understand the challenges and the ongoing fight for acceptance. Right now, I’m focused on making honest, meaningful music that reflects that journey.
Does that mean you're in love?
Yes — and that’s actually what inspired me to start writing. After "Closet" and the EP, I’ve been living by that mindset: nothing really matters. It’s helped lift the weight of so many negative things. Now, I feel free to take risks, to go after what I want. When you start seeing life differently, the universe responds — and it rewards you.
So you think music opens doors and leads to acceptance and support?
Absolutely. For me, it's the most powerful tool I have. I couldn't find the words, the courage, or even the right moment to talk to my family — but music was always there. I remember a reporter in Ecuador who broke down in tears during an interview because of my song. He told me it had moved him deeply. Music is my way of creating change and starting meaningful conversations.