| Full Name | Hayley Kiyoko Alcroft |
| Age | 32 |
| Birthday | April 3, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Height | 5‘ 4" |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Social Media | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube |
Hayley Kiyoko is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who has become one of the most influential openly gay musicians in mainstream pop. Known for her empowering lyrics celebrating self-love and queer identity, Kiyoko has rightfully earned her nickname "Lesbian Jesus" among adoring fans.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Los Angeles, Hayley Kiyoko displayed a natural talent and passion for singing and acting from a very young age. She landed her first professional gig at just 5 years old, starring in a national print ad for KnowledgeWare. By 11, Hayley became a member of the girl group The Stunners, foreshadowing her future pop stardom.
Hayley’s childhood acting resume reads like a Hollywood who’s who, with roles on hit shows like The X-Files, That’s So Raven, and Zoey 101. She made her big screen debut as the voice of Emma in the animated film The Powerpuff Girls Movie. One of her most memorable early roles was playing Velma Dinkley in the 2009 live-action Scooby-Doo prequel movie, allowing her to portray the iconic character she identified with as a child.
Transition From Actress to Pop Star
Though known for acting, music was always Hayley’s first love. She taught herself guitar at 15 and began honing her songwriting skills. After the release of her 2013 debut EP A Belle to Remember, Hayley devoted herself fully to music and has never looked back.
Her 2015 EP This Side of Paradise marked a shift towards the emotive pop sound Hayley has become celebrated for. The relatable lyrics and soaring melodies on songs like “Gravel to Tempo” resonated with listeners. But it was her 2016 single “Girls Like Girls” that catapulted Hayley into the spotlight. The accompanying music video depicting a lesbian love story instantly went viral, praised for its unprecedented representation of queer romance in the pop genre.
Hayley’s momentum only grew with the release of her major label debut EP Citrine. By the time her first full-length album Expectations dropped in 2018, her status as an LGBTQ+ icon was cemented. Fans connected deeply with Hayley’s openness and pride in her identity on empowering tracks like “Curious” and “What I Need.”
Artistic Style and Influences
Hayley’s music fused 80‘s pop, 90‘s R&B, and modern indie influences into a refreshing new sound. Her heartfelt songwriting and powerful vocals share intimate stories of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and pride. Hayley cites acts like Tegan and Sara, The Neighbourhood, and Lorde as inspirations, along with rock legends like Freddie Mercury and Stevie Nicks.
During live shows, Hayley’s magnetic charisma and smooth dance moves captivate crowds. Her message of embracing your true self resonates deeply with fans, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who see Hayley as a role model.
Advocacy and Other Ventures
Beyond music, Hayley utilizes her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, female empowerment, and LGBTQ+ visibility. In 2018, she launched her own record label Dimm Mak Records, renamed Hyl House Records, to provide opportunities for emerging queer talent.
Hayley also continues to act, starring as computer expert Raven Ramirez on the CBS series CSI: Cyber from 2015-2016. She even returned to her roots playing Velma again in the 2016 film Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon.
For her contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy, Hayley has been honored with awards from Billboard and LogoTV. She was also named by Billboard as one of 15 Women in Music ‘Changing the Game’ in 2018.
Lasting Legacy
At just 32, Hayley Kiyoko has carved out a place in pop history with her unforgettably bold, queer-celebrating anthems and videos. She has emerged as one of the most prominent openly gay musicians in the mainstream industry. For young LGBTQ+ fans, Hayley is a source of empowerment and comfort rarely seen in media. There’s no doubt Hayley Kiyoko will continue inspiring fans to embrace their true selves for many years to come.