Hayley Kiyoko on how she's normalizing queer love and confidence

Hayley Kiyoko thinks that women championing other women shouldn’t be abnormal. Can we get a hear, hear? The actress, director, and singer believes in the power of women lifting each other up, and we second that notion. As a pioneer in the music industry, Kiyoko is fighting to spotlight her own and every woman’s inherent strength. As for us, we’re cheering her on and peeling our ears for advice on how to join the movement ourselves.

At 28 years old, Kiyoko has taken on many roles in her life—on the small screen, onstage, and in her community.

The roles she’s currently embodying the most? Artist, feminist, and LGBTQ activist.

Kiyoko writes deeply personal music, much of which is inspired by her love life as a gay woman. Her latest project, I’m Too Sensitive for This Shit, is a collection of singles—the first was released in October and the last will come out in January. So far, the project includes four singles, ranging from catchy pop bobs (“Runaway”, “L.O.V.E. Me”) to dark confessions (“Demons”) to heartfelt yearnings (“I Wish”).

The common theme woven through it all? Vulnerability. Kiyoko puts it all out there for the world to hear.

For many people in the LGBTQ community, opening up about their love lives is a journey, and it’s been no different for Kiyoko.

How Kiyoko suggests others learn to take part in this liberating act of self-celebration?

Over the past year and a half, Kiyoko has allowed herself to blossom by focusing on self-care like she never has before. Her preferred self-care practices: therapy, journaling, acupuncture, walking in nature, and simply taking time alone to breathe and rest. Another aspect of self-care that Kiyoko spotlights daily is her beauty routine.

Like any non-natural blondes know, dyeing your hair takes a toll on its health. Kiyoko combats this harsh treatment on her hair by using products like It's A 10 Miracle Hair Mask and Unite 7 Seconds Detangler. As for skincare products, Kiyoko’s recent go-to is Olay Body’s Ultra Moisture Body Wash.

Kiyoko recently embarked on Olay Body’s 14-day skin transformation to prepare for hosting the Billboard Women In Music event, which took place on December 12th. We chatted with Kiyoko the day before the event to hear about her 14-day journey, and how she felt heading into the big night.

Kiyoko totally did visibly glow at the event, and we’re guessing she was glowing inside as well since she viewed the night as a big stepping stone for the music industry.

Although Kiyoko admits that women in the entertainment industry are experiencing adversity, she’s fueled by this time of imminent change and possibility.

It’s no secret: Kiyoko is strong and hopeful. Not only does she embody these traits, but she encourages others to emulate them, too.

One thing’s for sure: Hayley Kiyoko is inspiring us to be the best version of ourselves, today and every day.