Hayley Kiyoko isn’t just embracing her sexuality — she knows it makes her powerful.
During a recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Hayley opened up to the Stronger singer about how her self-confidence and awareness about her identity transformed over the years. “My biggest weakness growing up was that I was gay and I was different than everyone else,” she said. “Now it’s become my biggest strength because it’s empowered me.”
Hayley went on to say that she held onto a lot of fear while growing up, worrying that others wouldn’t understand her. But once she stepped into the spotlight, things changed. “Going into my music career, I was just like, ‘If I’m scared, everyone else will be,’” she explained. “So, I have to embrace who I am. I have to be the brave one because if I take that first step, everyone else will follow. And they will hopefully grow to feel inspired, and know that they can have a good life.”
This isn’t the first time that Hayley has opened up about her sexuality, and the impact she hopes to make on her fans. In an essay for Paper Magazine, she explained that she aims to help others feel seen and heard through her music. “I think that's why my fans and I relate to each other,” she wrote. “My music reassures them that they aren't alone — that their feelings are valid, that they are enough and they will find someone to love them back. I didn't have that hope growing up, so I get emotional and inspired (or encouraged) every time I meet a fan who looks at me that way.”
She also noted that she has an obligation to her LGBTQ fanbase, especially during the political climate that has persisted since the 2016 election. “I feel a responsibility to these girls,” Hayley said. “I know they are looking to me for guidance and comfort. It breaks my heart that fear is so present in our world right now. School is hard enough and it breaks my heart to see these kids under attack by hate crimes and bullying.”
In an August 2016 interview with Refinery29, Hayley echoed those sentiments, noting that self-love and confidence can help offset those kinds of fears. “My goal is to inspire my fans to find happiness in themselves earlier on, so they don't have such a tough time growing up,” she said. “The world is a hard, difficult place right now. But it can feel a little bit easier if you believe in yourself.”
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