When I was given the opportunity to interview the one and only Hayley Kiyoko, I was ecstatic. My queer joy couldn’t be contained. How could I say no to “lesbian Jesus” (a name the LGBTQ+ community has graciously bestowed upon the singer-songwriter)? Kiyoko has been a huge part of my own personal coming out journey from the time I spotted her jamming out on the Disney cult-classic film Lemonade Mouth all the way through to my first queer kiss in 2017. I remember silently mouthing the words to her song “Girls Like Girls” in the dark of my bedroom back in Boston. Tears streamed down my face, illuminated by the light of my phone while I watched the music video on YouTube. Fast forward to present day and happily, chatting to Kiyoko IRL didn't disappoint. Here's what the multi-hyphenate has to say about being a queer artist, what inspires her and her new inclusive swimwear line.
Hayley Kiyoko Dishes on Pride, Being a Queer Icon and Her New Size-Inclusive Swimsuit Line
She’s bringing the Pride “vibes”
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Kiyoko has been a beacon of hope and gay light for all manner of sapphics in the queer community, inspiring them to be authentically themselves throughout her career as an actor, musician, songwriter, advocate and author. (Psst: per LGBTQ+ publication Them, “sapphic is an umbrella term that includes lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual trans femmes, mascs, nonbinary folks, and cis women.") Her single, “Girls Like Girls,” which debuted in 2015 as a single (also featured on an EP entitled “This Side of Paradise”) skyrocketed Kiyoko to unimaginable heights in the queer music scene. At the time of writing, the song has been streamed 137.3 million times on Spotify and the music video (which debuted eight years ago on YouTube) has been streamed 155 million times. From then on, her music has been a staple to queer existence. You can hear songs from the likes of “What I Need (feat. Kehlani),” “Curious,” “Feelings” and other pop anthems blasting from gay bars near and far.
On Being a Queer Artist
After having such an impact on the sapphic music scene herself, I wanted to know what Kiyoko thought of the explosion of mainstream lesbian and bisexual musicians like Reneé Rapp, Chappell Roan, Kehlani, Janelle Monae, GFlip, SZA and more.
“It’s really exciting to see all these incredible artists speaking their truth and getting opportunities and platforms they deserve," says Kiyoko. "I think we’ll continue to see even more authentic voices emerging, that will keep pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates deeply with the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.”
While Kiyoko notes that it’s still very hard to exist as a queer artist in the music industry, she's proud of the content she’s seeing produced by other artists while acknowledging that we still have a long way to go especially given the current political climate. Her most recent album, PANORAMA, released in 2022 is chalk full of sultry, poppy beats and dreamy electro-pop tracks, many of them odes to queerness.
On Becoming a Fashion Designer
The multi-hyphenate can now add fashion designer to her resume as well. Recently, Kiyoko partnered with size-inclusive swimwear brand, Kitty & Vibe to create a uniquely colorful and fun collection for Pride called The Palm Dreams Collection.
The collection includes four different colorways, which the brand dubs as “vibes.” When I asked her to choose her favorite among the bunch, she said she couldn’t decide but did name drop the chartreuse colorway featured in the collection as one she loves.
It’s a natural partnership, considering Kitty & Vibe’s message of body acceptance, positivity and inclusivity and Kiyoko’s own advocacy in those areas (she often shares candid moments of herself online and stories of struggles with mental health, body image and self-esteem). Kitty & Vibe offer swimsuit tops from sizes XS to 4XL and bottoms in sizes XS to 6XL. The company also lets shoppers select whether they have a larger butt or smaller butt which will affect the overall fit of the item regardless of the size.
“I especially support the company’s mission ‘Kind Is My Vibe,’” says Kiyoko. “The collection features four new “vibes:” Agoura, Laguna, Topanga and Zuma, all inspired by hometown beach spots in Southern California. I can confidently say that each of these styles makes me feel great and comfortable in my skin, and I hope it does the same for others,” she adds.
In addition to Kiyoko’s hand in the design process, the collection supports queer identity by donating 10 percent of proceeds from Kiyoko’s collection to The Trevor Project through June 2024.
On the Queer Future She’d Like to See
Kiyoko’s swimsuit collection was inspired by the colors of Pride, and as such I wanted to hear what she most wants for the Queer community going forward.
“My greatest hope is a future where my community can live authentically and unapologetically, free of threats to our own safety,” she told me. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive…to give and receive love without judgment,” she says earnestly. Kiyoko’s hopes for the future echo that of many queer artists in the pop scene. A future where we are not just surviving but encouraged to thrive.
We’re loving the sound of that and wish you all a happy Pride! 🌈
Kiyoko’s collection is available to shop on the Kitty & Vibe site.
Shop Our Favorite Pieces from The Palm Dreams Collection
