In June 2015, Hayley Kiyoko released her song "Girls Like Girls" just days before the U.S. government legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. At the time, Kiyoko, then 24, was primarily known for her roles in Disney Channel productions but had only privately come out as a lesbian. The song, featuring an explicitly queer narrative and a music video depicting female protagonists kissing, marked a significant moment in her career and in LGBTQ+ representation in pop music.
Over the past decade, Kiyoko has become a prominent queer icon, earning the nickname "Lesbian Jesus" from her fan base. Building on the song’s success, she expanded the story into a young-adult novel published in 2023, which became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. She has now directed and co-written a feature film adaptation of "Girls Like Girls," currently showing in theaters. The film centers on Coley, played by Maya da Costa, a new girl in a small town who navigates her emerging feelings for Sonya, portrayed by Myra Molloy. Set in the 2000s, the coming-of-age drama explores themes of identity and secrecy, with Zach Braff appearing as Coley’s father.
Kiyoko has spoken about the challenges she faced early in her career, reflecting on societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ figures in entertainment. She cited Ellen DeGeneres’s 1997 experiences as a cautionary example, which initially made openness about her sexuality feel risky. Growing up in Agoura Hills, California, with a family involved in the arts—her mother a former figure skater and choreographer, and her father a comedian and voice actor—Kiyoko developed a passion for performance early on. Yet she struggled with acceptance in both acting and music industries, feeling sidelined due to her mixed Asian heritage and sexual orientation.
The "Girls Like Girls" music video initially faced resistance from mainstream outlets, which labeled it "risqué" or niche, delaying promotional opportunities. Despite this, the video rapidly gained popularity on YouTube, resonating with many young viewers who found its portrayal of same-sex attraction relatable and affirming. Singer Gigi Perez, who was 15 at the time of the song’s release, described Kiyoko’s work as providing much-needed representation for young queer people, particularly those in conservative environments.
After signing with Atlantic Records, Kiyoko continued to release music with openly queer themes. She initially sought to turn the "Girls Like Girls" concept into a feature film with actress Stefanie Scott, though that project stalled. Persisting through industry skepticism—some executives suggested the queer coming-of-age story was outdated—she eventually secured film rights through Focus in 2024 following the novel's success. Kiyoko insisted on producing an original soundtrack featuring queer artists such as Tegan and Sara, Snow Wife, and Perez, emphasizing authenticity and creative control.
The lead actress, da Costa, praised Kiyoko’s dedication, highlighting her involvement not only in directing but also in soundtrack production and audiobook narration. Kiyoko acknowledges that the movie’s box-office results could influence the future of similar queer narratives in cinema, particularly amid shifting public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. She expressed hope that the film will offer visibility and comfort to queer youth, especially those in less accepting regions.
Looking ahead, Kiyoko aims to focus more extensively on directing films and television, often incorporating music she helps create. She is interested in adapting her 2025 novel "Where There’s Room for Us," set in an alternate Victorian England, and has expressed a desire to further develop "Girls Like Girls" as a musical.
Reflecting on the broader impact of her work, Kiyoko emphasized her commitment to normalizing queer experiences. “This is not a thing that goes away; this is who we are,” she said, underscoring her goal to foster greater acceptance through storytelling.