Hayley Kiyoko on Directing Girls Like Girls and LGBTQ+ Representation 2026

Hayley Kiyoko, the pop star turned director, opens up about her directorial debut Girls Like Girls and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in film. In an exclusive interview, Kiyoko discusses her journey from hitmaker to filmmaker, the challenges of releasing a queer film in today's climate, and her iconic 'Lesbian Jesus' title.

The Journey from Music to Film

Hayley Kiyoko first captured hearts with her 2015 hit single Girls Like Girls, which became an anthem for young LGBTQ+ individuals. The music video, which she also directed, told a poignant story of two teenage girls falling in love. Now, Kiyoko has expanded that story into a full-length feature film, which she co-wrote and directed. The film follows Coley, a 17-year-old protagonist navigating first love and heartbreak, mirroring Kiyoko's own teenage experiences.

Kiyoko admits that her gay identity was once the topic she was most scared to write about. "Once I released Girls Like Girls, not only the song but the music video, and saw that so many people in the world felt the way I felt, and that I could still be loved for who I was, that was a big indicator of allowing myself to feel that type of love," she says. This realization fueled her desire to tell the story on a larger scale.

Embracing the 'Lesbian Jesus' Title

Fans affectionately dubbed Kiyoko 'Lesbian Jesus' after the release of Girls Like Girls, a title she has embraced with humility and humor. The moniker reflects her impact as a queer icon and her role in providing representation for a community often underserved in mainstream media. Kiyoko acknowledges the weight of this title, stating that it motivates her to continue creating authentic stories that resonate with her fans.

However, Kiyoko also recognizes the responsibility that comes with such a title. She strives to use her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, especially in the film industry where queer stories are still underrepresented.

Challenges of Releasing a Queer Film Today

Kiyoko describes the current climate as "radical" for releasing a film like Girls Like Girls. Despite progress in LGBTQ+ rights, there remains a backlash against queer representation, particularly in media. Kiyoko hopes that her film will provide solace and validation to young people struggling with their identity, just as the song did for many.

The film also addresses themes of safety and sexuality, exploring the complexities of teenage relationships and the fear of being outed. Kiyoko drew from her own experiences to create an authentic portrayal of queer adolescence.

Comparing Kiyoko's Impact: Music vs. Film

Key Takeaways from Hayley Kiyoko's Directorial Debut

• Authentic storytelling: Kiyoko drew from personal experiences to create a relatable queer narrative.
• Representation matters: The film provides much-needed visibility for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Art as activism: Kiyoko uses her platform to advocate for acceptance and love.
• Evolution as an artist: Transitioning from music to film allows Kiyoko to explore deeper storytelling.

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