Hayley Kiyoko Says “We Need Queer Joy” as Girls Like Girls Comes Full Circle

That change, from discomfort to public celebration, is central to why the song has lasted. It was more than just a breakout track. For many listeners, it offered language and visibility at a time when both could feel scarce.

Her directorial debut brings the song to theaters

The next step for “Girls Like Girls” is a feature film of the same name, arriving in theaters on June 19. The movie marks Kiyoko’s directorial debut, the feeling of coming full circle built from the world of the original song and music video.

The film follows Coley, played by Maya da Costa, a new girl in town who begins to recognize romantic feelings for her friend Sonya, played by Myra Molloy. Their relationship develops inside a small neighborhood shaped by heteronormative expectations, which is a polite way of saying everyone seems to have an opinion about how young people should live.

Kiyoko said the theatrical release carries weight beyond her own career milestone.

“I'm just so honored and excited for the community to get to see Girls Like Girls in theaters,” she said. “For it to be my directorial debut, nothing will be more special than this moment and this cultural moment for us during such a divisive time.”

Her summary was even shorter: “We need queer joy.”

Becca Tilley and Hayley Kiyoko are enjoying engagement

Kiyoko’s current chapter also includes her engagement to Becca Tilley, the television personality and podcast host she has been with for more than seven years. The couple announced their engagement nearly a year ago, and Kiyoko appears to be in no rush to turn the moment into a logistics spreadsheet.

“It's really magical,” she said of being engaged. “I get why people, when they get engaged, they're constantly posting photos of themselves because love is so special.”

She added that the emotional core of the moment is being fully known by another person.

“To find a partner that really sees you for who you are,” Kiyoko said, “and to get to celebrate that is awesome.”

As for wedding planning, the answer is: eventually. Sensible, if not particularly helpful to anyone hoping for seating-chart updates.

“We're enjoying our engaged life,” she said, “but we'll figure it out once the movie comes out.”

For now, Kiyoko is balancing a personal milestone with a professional one, both tied to the same larger idea: being seen clearly, and letting that be enough.