TL;DR
- Hayley Kiyoko reflects on her Japanese heritage.
- ‘Girls Like Girls’ helped her embrace her queerness.
- The film connects her to her grandparents’ legacy.
- Kiyoko’s journey is a celebration of identity.
- The movie releases in theaters June 19.
At a recent Gold House dinner in Los Angeles, Hayley Kiyoko, the pop sensation turned film director, opened up about her groundbreaking film, Girls Like Girls, and how it has allowed her to reconnect with her Japanese heritage. “This is the first event about me, which is exciting and uncomfortable,” she admitted, setting the stage for a night of heartfelt revelations.
As part of a series that honors AANHPI individuals making waves in culture, Kiyoko’s dinner was a celebration of her directorial debut and her journey as a queer artist. Known for her vibrant music and unapologetic representation of LGBTQ+ themes, Kiyoko has transformed Girls Like Girls into a multi-medium universe, combining her hit song with a book and now a feature film.
“This Girls Like Girls universe has been about me really learning how to embrace my culture and my heritage because so much of my life has been hiding my sexuality,” Kiyoko shared with guests at Rokusho, a Japanese restaurant that holds personal significance for her. The film not only serves as a creative outlet but also as a bridge to her roots, which she described as conservative when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues.
In a poignant moment, Kiyoko revealed that the film would be shot in Kelowna, Canada, a place close to her heart. “Kelowna is actually where my Japanese grandparents are buried. They lived there and I grew up visiting them,” she said, highlighting the emotional connection she felt returning to this significant location. For many queer individuals, revisiting childhood places can be a complicated experience, often filled with memories of hiding one’s true self. However, Kiyoko’s return was different; it was a chance to write a new story and create new memories.
She recalled a particular scene in the film where the two leads, both young women in a romantic relationship, dine at a Japanese restaurant—the very same spot where her grandmother used to take her. “It’s so full circle to get to celebrate this moment with you guys,” Kiyoko expressed, emphasizing the importance of her heritage in her storytelling.
As the anticipation builds for the film’s release on June 19, Kiyoko continues to inspire with her journey of self-discovery and cultural pride. Her story is not just about a film; it’s about embracing who you are and where you come from. Watch Kiyoko share her experiences and insights in the video below, and get ready for a cinematic celebration of love, identity, and heritage.