Hayley Kiyoko Explains Why She Never Dreamed of Getting Married amid Wedding Planning with Fiancée Becca Tilley
Hayley Kiyoko, the acclaimed actress and singer known for her advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community, recently opened up about her unique perspective on marriage. Despite currently planning her wedding with fiancée Becca Tilley, Kiyoko revealed that she never truly dreamed of getting married growing up. This candid reflection sheds light on the legal and social challenges she faced and highlights the significance of queer representation and joy in her life and work.
Why Hayley Kiyoko Never Dreamed of Getting Married
Hayley Kiyoko’s journey toward marriage is deeply intertwined with the legal realities she faced as a queer woman. On a recent episode of the Zach Sang Show podcast, Kiyoko shared that she grew up without the space to imagine a wedding or engagement because, legally, same-sex marriage was not an option until 2015 in the United States.
“I grew up not being able to get married,” Kiyoko explained. “So I’m not dreaming about a wedding; I’m not dreaming about being proposed to, because, legally, I couldn’t get married until 2015.”
This legal barrier meant that for much of her youth, marriage was a concept that felt out of reach and irrelevant to her personal dreams. Instead, her focus was on self-love and acceptance, which she describes as the driving force behind much of her artistic work and advocacy.
Embracing Queer Joy and Representation
Beyond her personal story, Hayley Kiyoko is passionate about promoting joyful queer narratives in media. She emphasized the importance of queer people not just surviving but thriving despite ongoing adversity. “The LGBTQIA+ community is going through a lot of hardship right now, and has always faced adversity,” she said. “So, how do we find queer joy? How do we find moments of realizing a happy ending isn’t black and white?”
Kiyoko’s commitment to positive representation is also reflected in her new novel, Where There’s Room for Us, which explores themes of queer love and acceptance. Through her creative projects, she aims to provide the hopeful queer content she wished she had growing up—stories where love and happiness are visible and celebrated.
The Journey to Engagement with Becca Tilley
Hayley Kiyoko and Becca Tilley began dating in 2018 and publicly confirmed their relationship in 2022. This summer, the couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Mallorca, marking a joyful milestone after years of love and partnership.
Kiyoko humorously recounted the proposal on the Zach Sang Show, sharing how she had hoped for a private moment on a recommended beach, only to realize afterward that they were surrounded by nudists. Despite the unexpected setting, the proposal was a heartfelt and memorable occasion.
The couple has chosen to keep many details of their wedding plans private, preferring to celebrate milestones on their own terms. In interviews, they have expressed a desire to proceed “at our own pace,” reflecting a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.
Conclusion
Hayley Kiyoko’s story is a powerful reminder of how legal and social barriers can shape personal dreams and experiences, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Her openness about never dreaming of marriage until it became legally possible highlights the importance of representation and hope. As she plans her wedding with Becca Tilley, Kiyoko continues to inspire fans by embracing queer joy and advocating for love in all its forms.
If you’re inspired by Hayley Kiyoko’s journey and want to learn more about her work and advocacy, be sure to follow her latest projects and updates. Celebrate love, diversity, and the power of living authentically!
