In the heart of Brooklyn, on an unassuming Monday night in early June, a hundred lesbians gathered at the Alamo Drafthouse to witness a decade in the making: the premiere of Hayley Kiyoko’s feature film adaptation of Girls Like Girls.
The event marked a significant milestone for Kiyoko, who at 24, released the song that would become an anthem for the queer community. The music video, which took the internet by storm in 2015, inspired a wave of Tumblr gifsfan art, and personal stories of gay awakening. With over 160 million views on YouTube, the video solidified Kiyoko’s status as a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community.
From Music to Film: A Decade of Dedication
Now 35, Kiyoko has evolved from a closeted Disney Channel star to a globally recognized artist. Her journey includes selling out tours, releasing three albums, four extended plays, and 40 singles. Engaged to her partner of eight years, Becca TilleyKiyoko has also been a vocal advocate for Asian-American representation in film and TV.
The film, set in Oregon in 2006, follows teenage tomboy Coley (Maya da Costa) as she navigates her feelings for her popular friend Sonya (Myra Molloy). Their summer of sun-drenched adventures and intense eye contact takes a dramatic turn when they share an emotional kiss, leaving Sonya afraid and confused about her sexuality. The story is largely based on Kiyoko’s own adolescence, with Coley representing a younger version of herself.
The Challenges of Bringing a Queer Story to the Big Screen
Kiyoko’s path to directing Girls Like Girls was fraught with obstacles. In 2026, only 5.4% of the top-grossing theatrical releases were directed by women of color. Kiyoko faced skepticism from Hollywood insiders who questioned the need for a mellow, queer coming-of-age story without trauma or heartbreak.
“I would be like, ‘Well, can you list 10 films that star two women who fall in love and end in hope that you got to see in theaters?'” Kiyoko challenged. Her persistence paid off, and the film finally saw the light of day on June 19, 2026.
A Film of Full-Circle Moments and Manifestations
The making of Girls Like Girls felt like fate to Kiyoko. From casting Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy, both Asian American actors, to shooting in Kelowna, Canada, where her grandparents once lived, every step of the journey held personal significance. Kiyoko even “manifested” Zach Braff to play Coley’s dad, a full-circle moment inspired by the Garden State soundtrack.
“It was so full-circle, because he had been on my mood board for years,” Kiyoko shared. The film also features sentimental items from her own teenage years, including the jacket given to her by her high school crush.
Although filming could be painful, Kiyoko pushed through for the sake of her younger self and anyone who identifies with her. The film offers a space for gay girls figuring it out, capturing the longing in a stare and the excitement in a stolen touch. It’s a story of choosing joy over fear, of finding oneself in a world that often demands conformity.
Myra Molloy and Maya da Costa deliver compelling performances, making the film a poignant and earnest coming-of-age drama. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Tegan and Sara and Imogen Heap, adds to the nostalgic feel of the early internet age.
As the credits roll, the audience is treated to a heartfelt kiss between Coley and Sonya, a happier payoff that stays true to the spirit of the story. Kiyoko’s debut film is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope and representation for the queer community.
