rights
"A massive safe space of hopeful queer sapphic love": Hayley Kiyoko talks life goals
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 27, 2026
· 3 min read
Pop star, writer, and filmmaker Haley Kiyoko has long been cemented as a sapphic legend, referred to lovingly by her fans as the "Lesbian Jesus." The singer has been making music and music videos celebrating sapphic love since well before doing so became a bit more mainstream. And now, she has relea
Key takeaway Subscribe to our Newsletter today The movie is actually based on Kiyoko's 2023 young adult novel of the same name, which was based on the song's music video.
Why this matters
Hayley Kiyoko's goal of creating a massive safe space for hopeful queer sapphic love stories resonates deeply with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during Pride Month. The release of her film Girls Like Girls, based on her song and young adult novel, marks a significant milestone in increasing representation of sapphic love in mainstream media. By sharing a coming-of-age story about two teen girls falling in love in a small town, Kiyoko tackles a familiar yet often unexplored narrative in mainstream film. Her work has the potential to impact LGBTQ+ youth nationwide, providing a much-needed reflection of their experiences and validating their emotions. As a Japanese-Canadian lesbian, Kiyoko's own identity and openness about her sexuality add to the significance of her work, highlighting the importance of diverse representation in media. Her efforts to create a safe space for queer sapphic love stories can help foster a sense of community and belonging among LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in states with limited legal protections and resources.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Pop star, writer, and filmmaker Haley Kiyoko has long been cemented as a sapphic legend, referred to lovingly by her fans as the "Lesbian Jesus." The singer has been making music and music videos celebrating sapphic love since well before doing so became a bit more mainstream. And now, she has relea
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .