Picture a vibrant Los Angeles native who went from playing Velma Dinkley to penning a bestselling novel and belting out queer anthems—meet Hayley Kiyoko! Known as 'Lesbian Jesus' to her fans, this singer-songwriter, actress, and author has carved a unique path in entertainment, championing LGBTQ+ representation with unapologetic flair. Her journey from child star to cultural icon is a testament to the power of authenticity.
Born on April 3, 1991, Hayley Kiyoko Alcroft grew up in a creative household, with a choreographer mother and comedian father. Her multicultural roots—Japanese from her mother and English-Scottish from her father—shaped her perspective, while her early passion for performance set the stage for a dynamic career. From national commercials to music videos, Kiyoko’s star was rising fast.
The Making of Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley’s career kicked off at age five when a chance photoshoot landed her in a national ad. By six, she was drumming and writing charts, selling them at a local music store by eleven. Her teenage years were a whirlwind of acting gigs, including a standout role as Velma in the Scooby-Doo! TV movies (2009–2010). She also joined The Stunners, a girl group that toured with Justin Bieber before disbanding in 2011. These early experiences honed her skills and fueled her drive to create art that resonates.
Despite acceptance to NYU’s Clive Davis School of Recorded Music, Hayley chose to chase career opportunities over college. Her hustle paid off as she transitioned from acting in Disney’s Lemonade Mouth (2011) to pursuing music, a move that would define her legacy. Her determination to stay true to herself, even in a heteronormative industry, set her apart.
Hayley Kiyoko’s Unforgettable Stories
Hayley’s music is a vibrant blend of electropop and synth-pop, infused with raw emotion and queer narratives. Her 2015 EP, This Side of Paradise, introduced the world to 'Girls Like Girls,' a viral hit with over 155 million YouTube views. The song’s music video, which Hayley co-directed, tells a tender lesbian love story, striking a chord with LGBTQ+ fans for its authentic representation. Her debut album, Expectations (2018), solidified her status, charting in the top 20 across the U.S., Canada, and Australia with hits like 'Curious' and 'What I Need.'
In 2023, Hayley ventured into literature with her novel Girls Like Girls, a New York Times bestseller that reimagines her iconic song as a heartfelt young adult romance. The book, which won the Goldie Award for Young Adult Fiction, explores love and identity with the same honesty as her music. She also collaborated on a comic based on her song 'Gravel to Tempo,' showcasing her versatility. Her work consistently tackles themes of self-acceptance, love, and resilience, often drawing from her own experiences as a lesbian navigating fame.
Hayley’s directing talents shine in her music videos, where she crafts visually stunning stories that amplify queer voices. Her 2022 album, Panorama, continues her signature style, blending sultry beats with introspective lyrics, cementing her as a trailblazer in pop music.
Why Hayley Kiyoko Matters
Hayley Kiyoko’s impact transcends entertainment. By openly embracing her lesbian identity, she’s become a beacon for young queer people, normalizing same-sex love in mainstream media. Her advocacy, including partnerships with organizations like the Los Angeles LGBT Center, has earned her awards like the Trevor Project’s Youth Innovator Award and the Facebook Songwriter Impact Award. Fans adore her for creating safe spaces through her art, with her music videos addressing issues like violence against transgender women.
Her influence extends to fashion, with a size-inclusive Pride-inspired swimsuit line launched in 2024, reflecting her commitment to body positivity. Hayley’s fearless authenticity has reshaped pop culture, proving that queer stories deserve center stage. She’s not just an artist—she’s a movement.
- Birth Date: April 3, 1991
- Key Works: Girls Like Girls (novel, 2023), Expectations (album, 2018), Panorama (album, 2022)
- Awards: Goldie Award for Young Adult Fiction, Trevor Project Youth Innovator Award
Ready to dive into Hayley Kiyoko’s world? Grab Girls Like Girls or stream Expectations for a dose of her electrifying, heartfelt art!