Trailblazing pop star, actor, and director Hayley Kiyoko—fondly known as “Lesbian Jesus” by her fans—has done it again. From dominating our playlists with iconic tracks to captivating us on screen, Kiyoko has now debuted her first novel, Girls Like Girls. Based on her viral 2015 music video of the same name, this coming-of-age romance is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery that resonates deeply with queer readers.
Set during the summer of 2006, the story follows 17-year-old Coley as she navigates a turbulent chapter in her life. After losing her mother, Coley relocates to rural Oregon to live with her estranged father. In this new setting, she meets Sonya—a beautiful, complex girl with a seemingly perfect life but a hidden yearning for authenticity. What begins as a friendship between the two soon grows into an undeniable romantic connection, forcing Coley and Sonya to confront their fears, insecurities, and whether love is worth the risk.
Kiyoko’s novel feels like an extension of her 2015 music video, offering readers the full-length narrative that so many of us craved after watching Coley and Sonya’s story unfold on screen. It’s like revisiting a nostalgic favorite but with the added layers of rich backstories, poetic prose, and the inner workings of both characters’ minds. Coley’s first-person perspective is interwoven with Sonya’s LiveJournal entries, transporting us back to the early 2000s and creating an authentic window into their world.
This novel is not just a love story—it’s a testament to resilience. Coley’s journey of healing from her mother’s loss and her strained relationship with her father feels raw and real. Meanwhile, Sonya wrestles with societal expectations, familial pressure, and her own fears about coming out. Together, their relationship is a poignant reminder that love—especially queer love—is worth fighting for, even when the odds feel insurmountable.
One of the standout aspects of Girls Like Girls is its lyrical writing style. It’s no surprise that Kiyoko’s storytelling reads like a song—each sentence feels carefully crafted, balancing emotional vulnerability with the kind of teenage angst that shaped many of our queer experiences. Fans of Kiyoko’s music will recognize her ability to transform raw emotions into art, making this novel an essential read for anyone who found solace in the original song.
At EveryQueer, we’ve long celebrated Hayley Kiyoko for her contributions to queer culture. You’ll find her name prominently featured on both our lists of Lesbian Artists You Need to Know and Top Lesbian Songs to Add to Your Playlist. Her music and art have inspired countless queer travelers, showing that representation matters not just in who we love but in how we choose to express ourselves.
If Girls Like Girls teaches us anything, it’s the importance of creating space to embrace our truest selves. That lesson isn’t confined to the pages of this novel—it’s something we see in the vibrant LGBTQ+ destinations we visit, the queer-owned spaces we support, and the shared connections we make along the way. Just as Coley and Sonya find meaning in each other, so do we when we travel, seeking belonging in new experiences and places.
Whether you’re reading this book on a cross-country road trip or curled up at home, Girls Like Girls is a reminder of the beauty in embracing love and community, even when it feels risky. Much like Kiyoko’s music, it’s a beacon for queer people searching for validation and visibility.
Hayley Kiyoko has proven she’s not just a pop icon but a multifaceted creator whose voice extends far beyond the stage. Girls Like Girls is a celebration of queer love, a tribute to the complexity of relationships, and a nostalgic nod to the struggles and triumphs that make us who we are.
If you’ve ever felt like the world needed more stories that look and sound like ours, pick up this book. It’s not just a love letter to queer youth but a reminder that our stories deserve to take center stage—whether in music, movies, books, or anywhere else.
