I LOVE TUNA MELTS. Ft. Hayley Kiyoko

Are we. friends? >> [laughter]. >> IF I DYE MY HAIR BLONDE, YOU BETTER. watch out. >> [laughter]. >> OH, SHE'S COMING for me. She's like, I'm Hayley Kiyoko. >> [laughter]. [music]. >> Hey everyone and welcome back to another. episode of The Comment Section Show. Sorry, me, your favorite. Nobody knows. me, nobody cares about me. On to the. guest today, we have the iconic, the. legendary lesbians. Let me [ __ ] hear. you. HAYLEY KIYOKO.

>> THANKS, GIRL. >> OH my god. >> I can hear the lesbians screaming. >> they're they're strapping up and they're. ready to go. I honestly, I've been. conquering lesbian mountain lately. Like. I just had Lucy Dacus on. >> Oh my gosh. So you're you're just taking. us one by one. >> I'm taking you one by one. [laughter]. Collecting y'all. >> I love it. >> I'm so honored to have you here. Thank. you so much for coming. >> you. >> Before we jump into it, >> Okay. >> I do have to tell you something because. there has been a running bit about you, but not in at expense of you.

>> What's been happening behind my. [laughter] back? >> It will be at the expense of my lesbian. sister Dason. She's not here. currently, but I do have to tell you. because I've talked about it on the show. for now years that you were my sister's. lesbian awakening. If you can believe. it, from Lemonade Mouth. >> Wow. >> was really into that movie and it was. very confusing to me at the time because. she hated musicals and she didn't really. care for the music. So I was kind of. confused. I was like, why do you love. this movie so much? >> Cuz she be gay. >> Yeah, she be gay. >> Wow. >> As hell.

>> Her name's Dason. >> Her name's Dason, yes. >> Love you, Dason. Terminate. [laughter]. Be heard, be strong, be proud. >> And I did ask her for her permission to. bring it up to you and she said yes and. then she said I'm glad I'm not going to. be there. >> [laughter]. >> For when she was Normally, she's at. every recording I do. >> gosh. >> So I did Really? >> Yeah. So I had to get this out of the. way. >> She Wow. >> Yeah, I had to tell you that you were. you were pivotal in her awakening and. I'm grateful to you cuz I'm really glad. my sister's gay. Thank god. >> Yeah, that's thank god for you.

>> only room for one annoying straight girl. and I filled the shoes. >> can only have one. >> Yeah, we can only have one. >> yeah. >> [laughter]. >> But I'm honored to have you. You are. ledge. >> Thank you so much. >> really want to get into what you've been. up to lately because obviously you have. some really exciting project coming out. soon. >> Yeah, it's basically the most important. project of my life. It's called Girls. Like Girls the movie. >> The movie, the one, the only. >> The one, the only. I was saying earlier. like. it's so weird. I don't recommend working. on something for over 10 years. It is.

>> [laughter]. >> No. I literally look insane. But it's. been 10 years of trying, you know, Girls. Like Girls came out in 2015. It was a. song, music video. I wanted it to be a. film. It wasn't working out. I wrote. into a book. And um and then years, years later it got greenlit and now the. movie is going to be in theaters, which. I also when we were shooting this movie. I was like, I hope someone sees this. film. [laughter]. Even the lead actress was like, I don't.

I like where is it going to be? I was. like, I have no idea. And so to actually. like be in movie theaters nationwide. June 19th is it's mind-blowing and to be. able to know that we're like weeks out. It's such a. odd feeling. >> Yeah, I'm sure. >> It's like it's been something I've been. working on for so long that I haven't. been able to share with people and so. now I'm just giving it I'm giving it. away. >> Yeah. >> To the next generation. >> Does it feel like completing the circle. a little bit? >> Totally. It feels like I'm completing. the circle and also like start like.

people were like, oh does it feel like. the end? And I'm like, no, really feels. like the beginning because I've just. been desperately wanting a film like. this to exist. And like how come it. takes 10 years to get a film made like. this with two girls falling in love. ending in hope. >> And. and I've like thinking about being able. to buy tickets to go see a movie like. this in theaters to see myself like. represented having two Asian leads and. like and all of it. There's a lot going. on. >> And it's AAPI month. >> And it's AAPI month. [laughter] It's.

pride month. >> Yes, pride month. Look at us. >> a lot going on. >> There is so much happening and all at. the perfect time. >> I know and it's so funny cuz like some. people will be like, oh you like you're. so niche or like what you do is so. niche. And I'm like, how is it so niche? We got Asian Americans which are like. predominantly everywhere. We've got. queers, we've got women. >> Right. >> Like this is mainstream. What are you. talking about? This is mainstream. >> Yeah, what are you talking about? >> this. >> Especially I feel like uh Girls Like. Girls the music video, I feel like has. had a a resurgence with younger gays,

the new generation of gays in the last. like 5 years. So if anyone needs it, it's them. >> Totally and it's it's been really wild. to meet people because I didn't realize. how young my fan base was when I. released the music video in 2015. Like. some of them were nine. Like they come. up to me and they're they're like 19 or. 20. They're like, oh I watched that. music video when I was 9 years old. >> Which is crazy. >> Which is so crazy. >> That's insane. >> And um and so it's just like it's so I'm. so excited for the new generation to get.

to experience it and also like have. every generation experience it. Like. even I was saying like even though it's. called Girls Like Girls, it's such a. universal story because whether you're. straight or queer, every single person. has had that experience where you've had. to go up to someone and be like, do you. like me or not? Is this going somewhere. or not? Which is terrifying. That. feeling of being like either like happy. or obliterated and like getting your. heart broken. >> Yeah. >> Everyone's experienced that. >> Especially at that age where you're like.

everything is life or death. >> Yeah, you're 17. You're like, I'm going. to marry this person. >> Yeah, like everything is the most. serious thing in the entire world. I. think that's beautiful. >> Thank you. So that's like the experience. of Girls Like Girls when they see it. It's like they are young but like it's. through the lens of more of a mature. lens because when you're 17, you think. you're 35. >> Yeah, that's true. >> You literally feel like this is it. >> Yeah, do you ever get questions like. that from younger people especially when. they're like, "I feel like I'm so far. behind. I feel like" and they're like 19. years old. [laughter] And you're like,

"Oh my god, you have so much time.". >> Well, my lead actress Myha'la Herrold. was 18 when we shot this movie. >> gosh. >> And I. felt ancient. I'm not old, but I felt. ancient. And I was like, "Don't worry.". I felt like the classic person of like, "You know, things will work out and what. once you turn 30, things will start. getting clearer.". >> You know, which is yeah, unfortunately. >> 10 year 10 years plus away from you. >> Give yourself about 10 more years. You'll figure it out. Well, this is like. okay, so this project is huge obviously, but it's also like a directorial debut.

So, I would love to know like how how. was it directing? How was it like. existing in that art form making your. own piece of art? >> It was like coming home. I've been. fighting so hard to just be able to have. an opportunity to do what I thought I. would love to do and to be able to do it. and be like, "Oh my gosh, this is it.". Has been amazing because I you know, I. grew up acting. I did Lemonade Mouth. >> [laughter]. >> You know, and I also was a musician and. I realized I'm a storyteller. I like.

building worlds and so to be able to. have the opportunity to build a world. and cast and also like write the music. and have an album coming out inspired by. the film. Like all the things that I've. grown up loving to do, I get to do all. at once as a director. And so it really. feels like I'm coming home and I finally. found Oh my gosh, this is what I want to. do forever. Like This Yeah, like this is. it. Like I want to make hopeful queer. content. I want to direct films, direct. TV shows and then I want to write music.

for those projects and I'm like, "That's. it.". >> How is the the preparation process? Does. it differ from like directing versus. like writing an album or even acting? Like is the process completely. different? Is it one in the same? How. does it feel for you? >> It's so different. >> [clears throat]. >> I mean, for I mean, also just as the. creator and the director, it's like the. process of just finding someone to. finance the film, people believing in. the project, believing in you. Like, that was the first seven years of the.

journey. >> Yeah. >> And then to be able to get on set, all. of a sudden you have 50 plus people who. are uh professionals in their individual. line of work. >> Yeah. >> And then, you know, I don't think people. understand and honestly, I didn't really. understand how involved the director is. Like, the spoon that you see on screen, that was a decision. >> Yeah. >> The napkin, like we would be I'd be. making so many decisions on set. >> Yeah. >> and people be like, "Do you want this. glass or this glass? This or this?" And. it's just like, "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.". >> Yeah. >> And also, too, when you're making a.

movie this size, you've got 23 days, 23, 24 days. And so, a lot of the times, you. have like five or 10 minutes to get a. shot. >> Yeah, and every second counts. >> Every second counts. Every single second. counts. >> We're rolling and it's so wild, like. some of my most favorite scenes of the. movie, when like Coley's just like. typing in like on her AIM and stuff like. that, are my favorite scenes and she had. like 10 minutes to do like three of. those. And it was just so wild because. you just as an audience member, you.

don't get to see any of that. And you. don't really know how um. intense that is. And that's what makes. actors incredible because they are. having to perform at such a high level. with so much going on. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> In such a condensed time frame and. space. >> different. Like, when I'm writing an. album, like you are on your own time. >> Mhm. >> Time isn't money to a degree. >> Right. >> You could be writing music and then. scrap the whole thing and start over. >> Yeah.

>> And what I learned about films is what. makes a miracles is you have to make the. best film possible with the time that. you're given and the tools that you're. given. And that is the challenge. And. when you're doing an album, you you can. start over as many times as you want. And so, with the movies, you can't. And. it's like it is what it is, and then. you're trying to improve it or adjust. with the time that you're given. And. it's just like a ticking clock of like. when you turn it in. >> That's so interesting to think about, too. I I feel like Well, I love that you.

talked about world building. I think. that's so wonderful. Did you like Did. you watch anything or find yourself. consuming anything when you were like. preparing for it to make this movie? Like anything that helped you build your. own world, like in your own head? Or. were you kind of just blank slate, I. want to build from scratch? >> I mean, I had 7 years to like really. marinate on what the world was going to. be. When I the movie actually got. greenlit, I actually didn't consume art. I stayed very focused. Yeah, I like And. I was also similar to albums. Like a lot.

of times you'll listen to music for. influence, but then when you're actually writing. the album, you're only focused on what. you're doing. Right. And so, I think it's similar when. you're preparing for the film, because. you're you're trying to build a world. that you haven't seen before. And it's. like, what does this look like? And. again, what's so crazy is you also don't pick. your location. I don't know if you know. this, but like I mean, I'm sure like I'm. sure like Marvel movies they can, you. know? But like. for movies like mine, you know, you are.

kind of like assigned a location. depending on tax credits and whatever. And so, get this, I'm on this journey. and I get a call and they're like, "Hey, we're going to shoot this movie in. Kelowna, Canada. Have you heard of it? Have you heard of Kelowna?". >> I've not. >> Yeah, nobody's heard of Kelowna. >> I do know a lot of people filming in. Canada, though. >> Yeah. So, it's east of Vancouver, and. most people don't know about it. And I'm. like, "Are you kidding me? My. grandparents are buried there, and I. grew up going to Kelowna, Canada.". >> what are the odds? The universe, it's so.

powerful. >> Drew, it I literally had I was like, "Oh.". >> I got chills. >> [laughter]. >> Are you kidding? And I hadn't been there. since pre-pandemic when my grandparents. were alive. And they're also a big part. of this journey has been connecting to. my Japanese side. And it's my my mom's. side, which is my Japanese side. >> Yeah. >> And so I'm literally on this tiny. rickety plane landing in Colona, Canada. on this small airport. >> Yeah. >> where my grandpa used my grandma and. grandpa used to pick me up. We shot the.

movie like two streets down from my. grandparents' house. >> What the hell? >> like out of everywhere in the movie set. in Oregon. But like out of everywhere in. the world. >> Yeah. >> that to happen and to have like this. homecoming. >> Yeah. >> It It definitely like people go, you. know, timing is everything. Trust the. process. >> Right. >> And you know, year after year this movie. was not getting made. It was so hard to. like hold on to that light. >> Right. >> for that to happen, I was like, "Oh my. god.". >> god, so spiritual. [laughter]. And that is.

>> I WAS LIKE, "I'M NOT A religious person, but I'm starting God." [laughter] Like I. literally was like, "Oh my god.". >> gayest thing about your movie. It's the. spirituality of that. If you really. think about it, only lesbian movie could. be made that way. >> Exactly. I have the lesbian like magic. >> [laughter]. >> Lesbians are magic. That is true. >> Looking out. Looking out. Isn't it. >> Oh my gosh. >> Yeah, that is crazy. >> I still have chills. Like low-key. thinking about it, I still have chills. That's I think that's so powerful. That's so incredible. >> Yeah. >> How was it uh in the casting process for.

your movie? Like being able to cast the. two leads. >> The coolest. >> It It's so wild. And I mean, you've. written a book, too. And but like when. you're like envisioning characters, it. it was so interesting to be, you know, prepping for this film and being like, "There's a girl out there. >> Mhm. >> that is living and has no idea that. she's going to be the lead of my film.". >> Which is so fun. >> And I'm like, "Who is she? What does she. look like? Where does she live? >> Yeah. And so it was such a beautiful.

experience. We had over 4,000 tapes come. in. And Maya Dacosta who plays the lead, Coley, she was actually the very first. tape I watched. Like I was in New York, I was doing work and they were like, oh. we just got a bunch of tapes, do you. want to see it? She's the first tape I. watched. And I watched her. again, again, again. I watched her. and there was a moment where she was. doing this this scene in Sonia's. bedroom, the other lead, and she sits on. the bed and everyone's tape would end.

there and she just let it roll for like. 20 seconds and she was just sitting in. the space. And I like all of a sudden. saw the whole movie around her and I was. just like, oh my gosh, she's going to be. the one to beat. And so she ended up. getting the role. 18, half Asian, from Canada, and is so. just like authentic and real. Like she. is Coley. >> Yeah. How did it feel getting to cast. Asian women specifically? Because I feel. like it's so liberating and how.

beautiful to be able to cast people who. look like you. Especially people like us. growing up, the media we've been fed and. consumed, like hardly ever do they look. like us. So how how did that feel for. you? >> It was so healing because she got to. play a role that I dreamed of of getting. an opportunity. Like I dreamed of. getting like email saying like half. Asian, queer lead. >> [laughter]. >> To the T. And I never got it. And so to. be able to give that space and.

opportunity for for someone who who is. very similar and authentic to my. experience and who also she really. connected to the book. It just was so healing. I was like, oh. my gosh, this is like what life's all. about is like being able to help people. and create space and lift women up. >> Yeah, and keep the door open. >> so good. >> Yeah, absolutely. I think that's. incredible. I'm like I'm writing right. now. I'm in the process of writing.

fiction books. >> Oh, cool. >> Yeah, but I'm writing like fantasy. romance kind of deal. >> Love. >> But it's I'm basing it like the the. themes in it are like Polynesian like. mythological lore. >> I'm already I've already bought it. >> Right. I was literally when I was. writing and as as I was like writing it. with cuz I'm writing it with someone. >> Mhm. >> And she's black and she's like Jamaican. So we were talking a lot about. characters, what they look like, that. kind of thing. My goal is to get it made. into something. >> 100% it will. >> I was thinking guess what? No whiteys.

>> Yeah. >> Not my book. >> [laughter]. >> Nowhere to be seen, nowhere to be found, girls, sorry. And if they are, I'm going. to kill them. >> Oh my god. >> [laughter]. >> I'm kidding. >> I can't wait to read this book. [laughter]. >> I'm so excited. >> I'm like what I can't wait. It sounds. like a horror film. >> Oh my god, when I cast everyone I'm like. everybody's going to look just like me. Everyone's going to look like me and I. think it's a beautiful thing. >> Well, that I think that's the whole. point is like it's like it's to know. that I'm part of the a club of 5% of. women directors in the industry. It.

takes so long for us to be able to just. have the opportunity, let alone tell. stories that. >> have characters that represent us. And. that's what's been so beautiful about. this journey. Like, you know, the music. video was just like a piece of the. story. And then every evolution. >> got me one step closer to my authentic. truth and. >> Yeah. >> and having a half Asian lead and that. looked like me and reflected who I was. And that's been a journey for me as well. as embracing my um my culture and my.

background and um I think it's been. really cool that the fans have gotten to. see that evolution. >> Totally. >> as I've gotten closer to my authentic. truth and as I've gotten closer to my. confidence. Like I remember singing. Girls Like Girls in 2015 for 15 people. in Michigan. and there was no green room and I'm like. sitting in a minivan like. in the back. >> Yeah. >> And I remember singing Girls Like Girls. and I'd be like shaky. I'd be like, "Girls like girls." Like like looking.

around seeing like if there was any. homophobic people and. >> Right. >> to come 11 years later to be able to be. on stage knowing that I've waved the. rainbow flag to thousands and thousands. of people and I can. >> that song with absolute confidence. I. think that also kind of mirrors the. journey of Girls Like Girls and the. evolution from the song to the music. video to the book now the film. >> Well, and I want to rewind to Girls Like. Girls like the the out like the music. video and the track itself like the.

inception of it. Like why did it feel. important to put it out at the time you. did cuz you're right at the time it was. nowhere near where media is now. especially with the acceptance of gay. people and if you can even call it that. at this point. >> Yeah, I mean we've kind of we're kind of. back at the same. >> Right. Exactly. >> Same place. >> But it art persists, right? And art and. art is driven on the shoulders of gay. people and. and women in most often times. So, like. how was that putting it out at the time? Like why did you feel it was important. to put it out at that time? >> I think anything important is kind of.

scary. >> Right. >> And it was very scary. I had finished my. EP The Side of Paradise and last minute. I decided to put Girls Like Girls on and. that was the first song I had co-written. where I came out to the songwriters and. I like I remember Lily, my co-writer, was like, "What is the thing that you're. most scared of?" And I like cried to her. and I was like, "I'm gay.". >> [laughter]. >> And she was like, "Well, let's write a. song about it." And I was like, "I wish. I was confident. I wish I could steal a.

girl. I wish I could do this." And so. the song Girls Like Girls is actually. really cocky and I wasn't that at the. time. And so it was almost like. manifesting what I wish I who I wish I. was at that time. >> And um and then here I am now, very. confident about being a lesbian. So sometimes you have to like convince. yourself that when you don't you when. you aren't that person yet. You know? You uh fake it till you make. it kind of deal. Exactly.

and you made it, girl. Period. Thank. god. it to the other SIDE OF THE. RAINBOW. [laughter]. THANK GOD. I'M HERE. When my sister my sister is obviously as. I said a lesbian. But when before she. was like I don't know yet. I think I. think I'm lesbian even though the only. serious relationship she ever had was a. woman at the time. I think after a while. like a couple years ago we were talking. about it and I told her honestly I think. you are a lesbian and I think You you. you self you diagnosed Yeah, I was like. I think you're a lesbian I think we. should stop pretending. I think it's.

over for you. And then she like laughed. and she was like yeah, you're right. >> [laughter]. >> Because I was like you're not kidding. Yeah, I was like there's only room for. uh for one straight annoying girl. I. took that. Right. So unfortunately you. have to be a lesbian now. It's the law. I love that for you. Yeah, so I'm I'm. really happy that she is. Honestly she's. made me cooler. And that's how I feel. about you. >> [laughter]. >> I feel that way about most lesbians. Honestly like the my friend Caleb. describes lesbians as the purest of us. all. Which I agree. I I agree. And I. feel like I feel like lesbians are so.

obviously so removed from male. validation for [snorts] so long and. they're on that tip way sooner than many. many many other people. So I feel like. that's why I gravitate towards lesbians. specifically. That's the truth. That's. why I'm conquering lesbian mountain. That's the whole truth. Yeah. We're. already at the top. We're at the top, baby. I met you up here. That's why I. was like and I honestly I was just. joking about this the other day with my. friend because I was telling them how. first of all my gay friends forget I'm. not gay quite often and I know it's cuz. I'm not annoying. So that I take it as a.

compliment. I do I really do. I take it. as the highest. But specifically with. lesbians I'm like I've told my. girlfriends who are like token straights. like that's me. I'm like you should wear. it as a badge of honor. Lesbians are. notoriously picky. They are very picky. on who they like and who they don't. >> group. >> Yes, they're very very picky and if they. think you're funny and they think you're. cool take your chips and leave the. casino. >> a lot about myself through you. >> Yeah, I'm telling you I I. >> [laughter]. >> and honestly like that's why I want to. talk to you about that specifically. because I really do feel like you were.

one of the first people I saw. consistently talking about how important. it was to be authentically who you are. and I think it's a beautiful thing and I. think you being so young at the time. that that song and that music video came. out it makes you so incredibly. courageous to me and I think that's so. powerful. The fact that it's had. standing power for this song I mean it's. proof obviously that you're so brave and. important but I just have to give you. your flowers for that moment. I think. it's imperative. >> Thank you so much, Drew. >> Especially at the time. >> Yeah, I mean it it was. when I going back to what we were. talking about.

releasing the music video was really. scary because no one want raised their. hand to premiere it. And that's when I. knew I had something special because. nobody wanted [laughter] to be a part of. it. >> They were all afraid of your genius. >> were just scared of the story line to be. honest. And so that really shows the. evolution, right? And I ended up. releasing it a couple of days before. same-sex marriage became legalized in. the country and so there was a lot of. really interesting and then it was like.

we're leading into the first Trump era. There was a lot going on during that. time. >> Yeah. >> But you know, the reason Girls Like. Girls exists is because I I needed I. needed that kind of music video. I I. needed to be able to watch something and. see two girls falling in love and and it. making out and like I needed that. representation. And so I think as. creatives and artists and people we tend. to try to take up the space that we wish. we had represented growing up.

>> And I I was lucky enough to see a. screener of said. >> saw the movie? yes, I I was lucky. enough. I was lucky enough and I'm not. going TO SPOIL ANYTHING, BUT I will say. there are many parallels between said. movie and music video for the fans. For. all the fans who are excited, it's even. better. Also, you have a little cameo. Love. Look at that. >> making it bigger. I'm literally in the. movie for 0.1 seconds. >> Well, I noticed 1.5 [laughter] seconds. >> Cuz that shoot was so crazy. I was like, WAIT, I HAVE TO BE IN IT. >> [laughter]. >> YOU'RE FORGETTING. I should probably be.

in it. >> Yeah, I was like. >> But [gasps] yeah. Okay, so I I have seen. it. I don't want to spoil anything, but. I do want to say though that I would. love to know what you hope people take. [laughter] away from it. Like. what you hope people after they watch. the film, like what do you hope they. leave with if anything? >> Well, I definitely recommend seeing it. in theaters because I really hope that. anyone that goes to see this movie in. theaters feels the love and support from. their community wherever they live. knowing that those people showed up.

That's a safe space for them. Um, but I hope people feel seen and I. hope they feel seen by others or. themselves, um, self-love, understood, and represented. I hope they they feel. powerful to to chase their dreams and. and live their authentic truth and I. think that's what Girls Like Girls has. been for me is like it's been a journey. I haven't always been accepting of. myself. I haven't always felt like. self-love and self-worth and you see.

Coley's character going through that and. we have a lot of parallels. Um, she's a. fictional character, but like a lot of. what she goes through is is what I went. through when I fell in love and was. saying all of juice to my crush and all. of these things. And so I hope people. just I hope it's just like a big hug and. people feel like they have their cup. full, you know, and they're able to. chase their dreams. Like to know that I. I survived 10 plus years of no's. >> Yeah. >> And I got the yes. >> Yeah.

>> And now we're in theaters. Like, don't. give up on your dreams. And like, it can. feel absolutely impossible, but and even. like self-love can feel absolutely. impossible. >> Yeah, especially now. >> I hope it just represents that to know. that you can get to the other side. Like, I've found the love of my life. I'm engaged. Like, I'm chasing my. dreams. Like, don't give up on yourself. >> Especially especially now. >> Yes, we need to clear the way. >> Yes, we need exactly. >> And that's what this film is about. It's. like, have so many wonderful films that.

cover other, you know, subjects and like. validates trauma, but like we also just. need some like lightheartedness and like. queer joy. >> There's just as much beauty as there is. trauma. And like I've said this many. times, a world without gay people is a. world I do not want to live. >> Oh my god, can you imagine? We're. fighting for our lives out here. >> And well, and that's and that's like I. think the most beautiful part is that. it's even when your music video and the. track came out was at such a tumultuous. time like politically. And now your. film's coming out at another tumultuous.

time, but it's imperative. Like, it's. imperative that queer art persists and. continues to be loved, supported, and. made even in the face of adversity, which is like unfortunately a hallmark. of being queer in the anywhere in the. world, but I just think it's so. important that a movie like this comes. out now. >> Thank you. >> And the coloring is also fantastic. I. think it's so cute and summery. >> warm tones. >> I love I love that it matches the music. video. Yeah, very warm tones. >> of my vibe. I like people to feel safe. watching like, you know, plot lines that. are kind of like quite tense and.

you're on the edge of your seat and I. just I love feeling safe, honestly. And. I feel like warm tones even like if it's. a cool night summer scene, it's still. warm. >> Absolutely. >> was definitely a combo I had with all my. HODs on set is like this it's in 2006, but we're not like shoving it down. people's like, you know, throats. Like. it's like we're in '06, but it's also. nostalgic, it's timeless, and I don't. want it to be distracting to the story.

because it's really about the two girls. >> Yeah, absolutely. I think that's very. evident, first off, but I am so excited. for everybody to see it. I don't want to. say too much anymore. I feel like I'm. going to [laughter] spoil it. >> We haven't even said too much. >> Yeah, we haven't even said anything at. all. It feels like we've said a lot, though. Even and even so, I will say too, on a. somewhat serious note, my sister has. told me many times that the hardest. person to come out to was herself, and. that's kind of a theme I feel like in. this movie, especially. Was she she's. talked quite frequently with me at. length about how like she was the.

hardest person to come out to, even. though even if you do have an. unfortunate coming out experience with. someone else, like herself was the. hardest person, and that's the theme I. felt. >> 100% agree. >> throughout watching. >> I definitely feel like that was my. journey as well. It's like you are your. hardest critic, and you hold yourself. back, and so you you follow two. characters, and the other character, Sonia, played by Myra Molloy, she you. you're watching her struggle, and she's. really holding herself back, even though. there's so much societal pressures and.

kind of like almost an unspoken thing. Like I grew up in Los Angeles. I had such a hard time being gay. Like I. knew I was a lesbian since I was like. six. >> Yeah. >> And I grew up in LA. >> Yeah. >> You know, and so it just says so much. about society, and like being able to. read a a children's book and seeing two. moms, like there's so much lack of. representation that we're slowly getting. better at, but all of those little. pieces. >> Play a role. >> play a role of the narrative of who. you're supposed to be, even if you're.

surrounded by people that, you know, might be accepting. Your yourself is, you know, >> the one. >> the hard the one. The one that you have. to break through, and you definitely see. that with Coley and her journey. >> Totally. >> And navigating that with Sonia. >> Yeah, and I think there was no one. better to tell the story than you. >> I'll be honest. No one better than to. tell her story. >> I I was like, I have to tell this I was. like, if I can't tell this story, no one. can because. >> [laughter]. >> this is so hard. It's so hard to get a. movie made. Like it's just you're just.

knocking on so many doors and I'm just. like Focus Features has been amazing and. so supportive. And again, like going. back to the parallels of the music. video, people not raising their hands to. then be able to have the opportunity to. be in theaters. So, please go see it. >> Yeah. >> Because [laughter] like all of our shows. get canceled. Like the suffix, we're we need. representation. >> No, for real. >> have as many and consistent. representation, mind you. >> Exactly. >> I agree. >> be every 10 years or we're like only. getting one season of anything.

>> I agree. >> So, we have to show up for, you know, and and show Hollywood that we exist and. we're not just niche. We're we're. mainstream. >> Yeah. Hello. >> We're everywhere. >> The gays are everywhere. And you want. the gays to support you, you need to. make gay things. >> Yeah. >> Hello. >> [laughter]. >> Yes. >> Also, you did mention to pivot to queer. joy, you did mention you're engaged. How. is that? Congratulations. >> [screaming]. >> It's awesome. >> How has it been for you?

>> It's so cool. I get why, you know, when. people get engaged or they get married, they're like always posting photos which. are borderline annoying. >> Oh my god, I know. I got it. I got you. >> I never understood it, but now I do. because you just like get obsessed with. each other and you're just like, oh my. god, this is so cool that we're getting. to do this like societal traditional. norm that we don't even really like. >> care about. >> care about or like [laughter] align. with. >> You know what I mean? Like. >> agree. >> We never like it was never like we have. to get married, but there was a moment. where I was like, I want a ring on my. finger.

>> Yeah. >> and I want to like get to do the things. that other people get to do. >> That's exactly how I felt, too. >> And I want us to like make it our own. and like do it the way we want to do it. And so, it's been so it was so cool to. get to propose to her and have her. propose to me. She surprised me in Japan. and like. I love Japan. Obviously, it's like my. dream [clears throat]. and. yeah, it's just been a really cool. beautiful season. >> Oh my gosh, how's wedding planning been. going for you? >> It's been non-existent currently. >> how I was. When did you get engaged?

>> Uh well, I proposed to her in July and. then she proposed to me in December. So. I would say July. >> love. Okay, T. That's I've been engaged. for 2 years. My wedding's coming up this. year. >> Oh my gosh, exciting. >> Yeah, so I get it. Like I was like I'm. cool to chill here. >> Yeah, we love being engaged. I also. [laughter] have like the movie coming. out. So it's like once I get through. Girls Like Girls Universe. >> Yeah, that's good. Chill being engaged. >> start having convos, but we're not in a. rush and. >> That's how I feel, too. >> love the engagement season. It's so fun.

>> It's so fun. It's always like this old. thing. >> let me see your ring. I've seen it. >> [laughter]. >> Oh that Wait. >> Wait, hold on. Let me see. Princess cut? Okay, T. Look at us. >> it's slightly different. They're both. squares, but mine's on the side. >> Oh T, it's like a toi moi. Is it kind of. like turned? >> Asher cut east-west. >> T, that's beautiful. Yours is so. beautiful. >> Wow, we're twinsies. >> Look at us. Oh my gosh, can you believe. a man picked this out? >> He did an incredible job.

>> That's a good find. >> Sometimes I know, especially with. >> Only women can do that. >> That's what I. >> [laughter]. >> I agree. There are so many things that I know. women can do. >> good one. >> Yeah, for real. Honestly, yeah, I did. cuz I when I got engaged a lot of people. were like, "Oh, you picked such a. beautiful ring." I think it's because. it's I wouldn't be surprised that most. women are like, "This is the exact ring. I want.". >> Right. >> I didn't look at anything. I didn't look. at cuts. I just knew like the year cuz we'd been. together for 7 years and then we got.

engaged. >> god, same. >> No way. Oh my god, you know I'm going to. pull up my feet. >> I'M FREAKED. [laughter]. >> IF I DYE MY HAIR BLONDE, you better. watch out. >> I'm freaking out. I'm coming for your. gig. You're coming for me. SHE WAS LIKE, "I'M KALEY CUOCO.". >> I'm going to adopt a real you kind of. thing going on. Well, yeah, I when I got. >> I'm so excited for you. >> Thank you. Look at us, year seven. Look. at us. But I I was never in a rush, just. like you. I felt the same way about. especially about I feel like most. marriage anything is within white.

organized religion. >> so traditional. I'm just like, oh. >> I know, that's how I felt, too. So, even. our wedding is super non-traditional in. the way that we're doing almost. everything because I just don't want any. of the I just want to get married. And I. feel like you feel that way, too. Like. I'm very excited to get married. And I. want to do the dress, and I want to do. the the ceremony and all that, but. there's many things I cut cuz I was. like, "Nah, don't need it.". >> Yeah, well, I think I think the. perspective that you when you find your. person and your partner and you're. starting to build a life, you realize. you're like, "Oh my gosh, every single.

generation, every single person has been. trying to build the life that they. wanted to build." Whether it was big or. small, whether they ended up staying. exactly the way their parents were or. branched off. It's like you're always. trying to make it your own. And it just. goes back to constantly trying to just. evolve as people. >> Yeah, I agree cuz even at the beginning. of planning, like when we were like. thinking about the wedding as a concept, I was like, "I guess I'll do like a. semi-big wedding.". >> what do I want? >> I was thinking about inviting people, and then I was thinking about seating. people, and I was like, "That makes me.

want to die. I don't want to do that. >> [laughter]. >> I don't want to do that." So, I like. completely changed my entire wedding cuz. I was like, "No one talks about how. embarrassing it is to get married in. front of people.". >> Oh, yeah. I mean, I don't I've never. done it, so I have no idea. >> So, that's why But I'm just the thought. of like telling him my innermost. feelings and like my uncle's right. there. >> Yeah, right. Totally. Yeah, that. actually is quite weird. >> [laughter]. >> It's strange. So, I was like, "We're doing private. vows. We're going to do private vows. after. >> with everyone that's in the space cuz. the goal is that you don't have weird. uncle. >> Exactly. Just watching row. just kind of.

just hanging out there. >> Totally, totally. >> But I'm so happy for y'all. I hope you I. hope you enjoy your engagement season. It's the best. >> No rush, no need. >> I'm we're we're happy. We're cruising. >> Oh, I'm so excited for you. Anything. else fun or exciting before I get into. your fun facts that you want to talk. about? >> Oh, that. >> glorious movie. >> My my one of my fun facts. >> [laughter]. >> Um yeah, no. I just like I Becca's the. absolute best and it's And again, I. think it goes back to The Girls' Like.

Girls' journey is like I grew up uh. never believing that I could find. someone. >> Yeah. >> and have a healthy relationship and feel. so loved and like seen and supported and. it's really really special that I get to. go into The Girls' Like Girls' era as a. director and my directorial debut. >> Yes. >> with an amazing partner too. Like that's. like just like the sugar on top. Which I. didn't I didn't even expect that would. happen and. >> For real. >> Um and it's just it's really beautiful. to get to share that.

>> Yeah, you're so amazing and so cool. I. can't stand [laughter] it. It's honestly. unfair. >> We're obsessed with each other. >> Yes, obviously cuz we're twins. We're. literally in the same womb. >> Duh. >> Look at us. Okay, I do have some fun. facts about you. >> Oh my gosh. >> have just. >> you Wikipedia? >> [laughter]. >> I'm I'm obsessed. I'm already obsessed. You can tell me if they're fun. >> Okay. So you'll let me know they're. factual. >> Okay. >> [laughter]. >> Okay, so this first one says as a kid. you got scouted by Nickelodeon at an ice. rink. >> I did. >> Ooh. >> So. >> That was my dream as a kid to just be.

discovered. >> your dream. >> [laughter]. >> So it was a So my mom's a very. successful ice skating choreographer. >> Okay, G. >> And so my childhood was very unique. I. grew up in an ice rink all the time. >> Very cool. >> And so my mom was working and I was just. ice skating and they were like, "We need. a Asian girl to ice skate [laughter]. in this commercial.". >> And they thought you were the cutest. thing in the world, I bet. >> Yeah, I wasn't a great skater at all. >> Really? I thought your mom was an ice.

>> Well, like I can I can probably do more. than average. Like I definitely was like. when I was in high school and I'd like. try to like ask a girl out but not ask. her out to be like, "Do you want to go. to the ice rink?" Like during the. holiday times when they had those. patches of square ice with terrible ice. skating rentals where you could barely. skate. >> But like I could like do moves and I'd. like I'd be like, "Oh, I have my ice. skates in the car." And I'd like pull. out my white skates. Like no game. >> me. I think I know how to skate. I think. I know how to skate.

>> made a move on me because I had. [laughter] no game whatsoever. I'm like, "These girls are going to love my white. ice skates.". >> Yeah, you're like, >> [laughter]. >> "I'm just going to go show off at the. ice rink.". >> Yeah, but now I have skating school. I. mean, look at Alyssa. We're we're we're. we're on track. >> I'm honestly not a very good ice skater. at all, but I don't think. >> go ice skating on our next podcast. >> Yeah, yeah, that's true. We'll we'll you. can teach me some tips. >> Okay. This says, "When you were five, you were in an ad advertising the. internet itself.". >> Yes. >> true?

>> [laughter]. >> Yes. >> That is dating you a little bit. >> It literally the. um. the magazine, I'm just smiling and it's. like, "The inner The internet is. awesome." Or something. Like promoting. using the internet. So like similar to. Now we have AI. >> It's all my fault. >> That's all on you, Haley. >> I It's me. >> ad. >> something I carry. >> [laughter]. >> The weight of AI. It's on your. shoulders. >> ad. I'm just like smiling like this. >> [laughter]. >> No idea what I'm promoting. >> That's crazy. >> Yeah. I don't I don't even think I got.

paid either. I think that was just for. free. Yeah. >> Damn, you should hit up Steve Jobs. It's. his fault. >> [laughter]. >> Honestly, were you doing a lot of. commercial stuff as an as a child? I. feel. >> No, I mean, those were literally the two. things I did under the age of 17. And. then And then my first like acting role. I was 17. So people think I was like a. child actor, but I I actually just look. really young. So like when I was on. Wizards, I was 19. >> No way. >> Yeah. >> How was Wizards? How was that set? >> It was cool. I had no idea that it was. like a successful show. So, I just was.

like and I had like my spiky hair. >> Also, they made you gay in that show, low-key. >> Well, I just was naturally gay. >> No, I mean like oozing gay characters. Yeah, I guess. >> But I didn't I didn't know cuz it was. just natural for me. So, I was like, "Huh.". But apparently, I was like giving off. the gay. >> [laughter]. >> to Selena, but I didn't know and I just. was like thought I was acting. >> I've seen quite a few edits of of like. your character on Wizards. >> It's amazing what editing can do on. TikTok. >> Right, but I they they they [laughter]. cut all the scenes and basically they.

were like they should have written it. in. >> Yeah, it was giving. Yeah, it was. giving. >> You were you were written her up bad. like in that show. >> slowly being an activist by like oozing. my gayness. >> That's your gay agenda. >> All over TV shows and. >> [laughter]. >> in movies. >> You're just leaving it everywhere. >> Just traces. Just speckles. >> Like sprinkles of gay. >> Follow follow the trail of breadcrumbs. [laughter]. to the rainbow. >> How was it like acting on on sitcoms. like that? Was that like weird or crazy. or was it just another job to you?

>> It was just cool. I think for me, I I. didn't know I wanted to be a director at. the time, but I wanted to be a musician. and I wanted to be a pop star. So, I. just was doing everything I could to. have experiences and opportunities and. so acting ended up being opportunities. and a lot of the acting like Lemonade. Mouth, I played a guitarist. Like there. was a lot of like music. >> involved. >> influence, yeah, going on and so I just. I was just excited to like be a part. I. was like, "Oh, this is cool. [laughter]. Cameras everywhere and.

>> I think that's an awesome way of looking. at it. >> you know, 10 years plus, I was like, "Oh. my gosh, Wizard, that was a big show.". Like. like I literally because none of my. friends at the time like no one knew and. then later they're like, "Oh, you're on. Wizards." I was like, "Oh, people watch. that. That's cool." [laughter]. Same with Lemonade Mouth. It's really. interesting. It was like not deemed a. success at all. >> But it was like a cult classic, kind of. like Jennifer's Body. >> it begat. >> [laughter]. >> You only other girls like girls movie. out there.

>> A movie that was not appreciated at its. time, but it was later as it should be. >> We're starving. The saffics are. starving. >> Honestly, I loved that movie, too. >> [laughter]. >> us. >> Okay, this next one says that you were. 1/5 of a pop girl group that formed in. 2007 called The Stunners who opened for. Justin Bieber. >> Yes. >> Wow. Your lore goes crazy. >> I'm all over the place. >> Yeah, you were a a man of many hats. >> I was like the cool chick in the girl. group who sang the bridges, but I was.

like the gay one. But like in the closet. But that's also, too, like when I was in that girl group, which was very short-lived, I got to. experience, again, I was like, I want to. be a musician. What is that like? And. then getting to tour and um also. experienced the negative sides of the. male gaze and like having to perform for. these old men at these labels and like. you're 16. Like it's weird. So it's good cuz that kind of ended and. then I was able to chase my dreams and.

be like, okay, this is what I don't want. to do and this is like the environment I. don't want to be a part of. >> I'm like obsessed with your attitude. towards it. It's very like, I wanted to. try it, so I did. I didn't like it. I [ __ ] with that. >> Yeah, I like that you're just kind of. like, yeah, that was cool. Yeah, it was. You know, I mean, and then I mean, Justin was I. mean, that was his like I think it was. like Never Never Say Never era. Like so. like that was cool. >> [laughter]. >> It was cool. >> That's how I feel about most things. You.

know? In this industry especially, that's how I feel about most things. And. I think it's important, honestly. >> how to dance in high heels. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> I don't anymore. I wear sneakers. >> I don't need that scale anymore, thank. god. But, you know. >> [laughter]. >> Get in heels. >> I love how you're just so you're so. beautiful and talented that you're kind. of just joining anything and then you're. like, "Yeah, I don't like that.". Dropping that. On to the next. >> I think you're just trying. I you know, and it's like how do you become what you. who you know you are and who you want to.

become? >> Yeah, like what does that look like for. you? >> that look like? How do you do that? How. do you get on TV? How do you How do you. have an audience? Like I remember. watching NSYNC and I was like, "I want. to be them." How do you have screen. [clears throat] girls screaming at you. and like dance and sing with like a. little mic? Like how do you do that? >> Yeah, you watching. >> just trying stuff. >> watching boys and going, "Now, I need to. get into that.". >> I WAS TRYING to get into. [laughter]. Literally. >> [gasps]. >> Yeah, I'm obsessed. What's your sign? >> I'm an Aries. >> Oh, too. Love that. I love Aries women.

>> rising, and Sagittarius moon. >> Oh, too. Okay, I'm Virgo sun. >> Oh, fun. >> Cancer moon, Sagittarius rising. >> Okay. >> Oh. Look at us. >> We got some sad trying. >> Yeah, fire in the big day. >> We're balanced. >> One of my best friends from college was. an Aries and she I say all the time like. I would have never had fun without her. cuz she does everything fun anything. She's down to try anything and she would. have died without me. So, I think it's a. win-win. >> Okay, wow. So, we're Do you want to hold. hands? >> Yes, there we go. There we go. Connecting again. >> [laughter].

>> Okay, this next one says in an interview. in 2018 you told Diva magazine that you. quote have a serious obsession with tuna. melts. Is that still true? >> I love tuna melts. >> [laughter]. >> Man, the internet really has all the. information. >> What's your favorite tuna melt you've. ever had? >> Thank you so much for asking. I just had. [laughter] one of my favorite tuna. melts. It's at Apple Pan and it's. rye bread with tuna. But, I love just a.

classic tuna like a little bit of relish. or maybe a little bit of celery. Don't. go crazy. Don't be adding parsley, dill. Like we just want basic with some. cheese. >> the ancient text. >> Cut in a triangle. slant. I will eat a tuna melt with anyone. I. love tuna. Like there's like when I go. on tour, like people would be like, "Haley, go outside." Cuz I like. [laughter] eating. I was like I'm like. the tuna girl. Like even like at school, like I would open up my thing and I'd.

have my tuna sandwich, but it'd be. stinky so I'd have to like eat it in the. corner. >> Yeah, cuz everyone had something to say. about it stinking. You're representing. people in more ways than one, then. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yes, I am. >> You're like, "I'm doing it for us.". >> Listen, you have one life to live. Like. eat [clears throat] the food that you. want. Like don't listen to outside. commentary on food. >> [laughter]. >> Honestly, and you have you ever um had. Ike's, like the sandwich shop? >> I've heard of it. I haven't been. >> have a tuna melt. >> Is it good? >> It goes crazy, [ __ ]. >> Interesting. I might be going there.

today. >> insane. When I think about it, my mouth. waters like a dog. >> See, I. >> I'm a nibble. >> I love making art, but the thing I love. also is food. I love eating food. Like. my dream is to just eat food 24/7 all. the time. >> Have to. >> It makes me feel electric. >> [laughter]. >> You enter a flow state when you have a. good tuna melt. >> I'm not kidding. My friends always say to [ __ ] and like, "She is in her flow state." And I'm just. like, "You're Oh my god, that's That. food was so. >> I'm joking? I'm not.

>> [laughter]. >> Literally. >> I'm glad [clears throat] to see the tuna. melt thing has still held up over the. years. >> to have passions. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Side quests. >> Okay, last last fun fact um is that you. were class president in middle school. >> I was. >> true? >> [laughter]. >> I was. >> that title seriously? >> Girl, I was campaigning. >> [laughter]. >> so hard. >> Right. >> I I was the student council girl and I. was in the closet, but I had spiky. flared hair and I worn a vintage blazer,

plaid blazer, I had a boyfriend who gave. me a vintage brooch. >> [laughter]. >> I'm painting the picture. So, I am in. the closet wearing a blazer with a. vintage brooch with. >> From your boyfriend. >> my boyfriend who's probably also gay. >> Your lavender marriage. >> Yeah, my lavender marriage in middle. school campaigning for ASB president. >> Right. Right. >> And I won. >> [laughter]. >> So, go and jot that down. >> I'm such an emotional hoarder that I.

still have that blazer. >> The the plaid blazer? That's crazy. >> fit, obviously. >> Yeah, but you're all But this is what I. won the presidency in. >> Yes. Yes. So, I have to keep it. >> And you know, I will say this, and it. maybe it's coincidence, maybe not, but. all of my gay friends, all of them were. involved in student council in some. regard. >> We love We know how to organize. We have. to. It's It's fight or flight. We be. organizing for our rights, our safety. >> [laughter]. >> We've been organizing since we were 6. years old.

>> [ __ ] That's all you know. >> IT'S [laughter] ALL WE KNOW. It's our. flow state. >> Organizing and crowdfunding, that's all. you guys know. Honestly, they're good at. it. Period. Well, those are all the fun. facts I have for you. Would you deem. them to be fun? >> They were fun, and they were facts. >> There you go. Period. Everyone, give it. up for the fun facts. >> fun facts. >> Thanks, Amanda. >> [laughter]. >> Okay, just to kind of close this out, I. do, first off, want to give you flowers. one more time. I really do genuinely. believe that you are imperative to this.

space, and I think that you have been so. brave and so courageous for so long. The. fact that your art persists is not. surprising because it's beautiful and. amazing, but more specifically, your. consistency with it has been inspiring. And I really do think, like, genuinely, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. for opening my sister's third eye to be. a lesbian. Thank god. But also for a lot. of people, I'm sure, you have been just. paramount in their self-discovery, and I. think you are so amazing and important. And the fact that you're AAPI alongside.

me is another reason I love you. It adds. to to the totality of why I think you're. so amazing. But. >> I'm feeling quite loved, true. So so. much. And. >> And. >> And it means a lot cuz like and I mean, you're in this industry and space, but. we're so hard on ourselves. And it's. just like you're just doing everything. you can, and it feels like sometimes. you're just like swimming against a. current. And you're just like, when does. this get easy? And I don't know if it. ever gets easy. But I'm grateful to have. been swimming against the current for.

10-plus [snorts] years. And I have I. have been around for a long time. And so. it's been exciting to um have this movie. kind of start a new generation and a new. cycle and chapter and well, I don't know. if we talked about it, but I also have. an album coming out that I that was. inspired by the film and like I think. when I did this movie, I just was like, I got I got to give it everything I got. >> We're going to we're going to direct the. movie. [laughter]. We're going to go write it, and we're. going to do an album. And then we have. all these amazing queer artists on the.

album, which I think is either out now. or might be out in a couple of weeks. depending on when this comes out. >> Yes. It'll be out in a couple weeks. But that my my goal for that too is like. people who may not have access to the. film or you know, my international fans. are able to at least listen to the album. and get into experience it. >> Um but yeah, I really appreciate it. It's been a really hard journey. I've. learned a lot, but I'm just really to. still be existing and to still be.

putting out some queer content and joy. And I'm so grateful for the fans. sticking with me and. hopefully, [clears throat] you know, exploring new fans in a new era. I'm. excited to maybe thrive as opposed to. feel like I'm. you know, swimming for my life. >> No, I know. [laughter] I for real. And. that's why I think it's so important to. tell you how amazing I think you are. because I do think sometimes when you do. it the right way and you do it the. authentic way sometimes it takes longer. >> [laughter]. >> It takes a lot longer. >> Why am I going the longest route.

possible? >> And no and then it sometimes I feel like. feels like. um. almost like Sherpas when when white. people want to go up Mount Everest. >> Right. >> No one ever credits Sherpas for having. made that trek hundreds of thousands of. times. to the top but they are transporting. white people up there. >> Right. >> and sometimes it takes a while to get. the recognition but it's worth it and. that's where I think you're at right. >> I'm a Sherpa? >> Yeah, I'm a Sherpa too. Just so we just. so we're clear. >> [laughter]. >> We're the we're the Sherpas on the. mountain. >> Unfortunately, yes. But we are on the.

mountain. >> We're on the mountain and we get to the. top. >> Exactly. And we survive and come right. back down and help people up and I think. >> And then we do it again. >> Yeah and I think that's far more. important. >> Yeah, I've been Sherp- I've been. Sherpa-ing. >> You're Sherpa-ing. >> Is that a word? >> I've been Sherpa-ing too, girl. Yeah. And that's and I think that's what like. why you stand the test of time is my. point. Like I really do believe that. because it's authentic and it's true to. you and it's meant to happen in the. right way and the way it's supposed to. happen and I'm just so happy for you and.

I think this is such an important film. and the album as well as your. directorial debut. So my last question. for you is any advice you may have for. any aspiring queer artists in whatever. medium that they so choose cuz you do it. all. >> Thank you. >> had any advice for them and they're. worried about that current like. you know kind of pushing against them, what would you say to them? >> I think my biggest lesson or. epiphany on this whole journey is I took. the long way to to get to myself. And so.

I would say like my advice to any artist. or someone who's, you know, pursuing. their dreams is to don't take the long. way. Just like be yourself from day one. And that and it's such a hard it's such. an easy thing to say and it's such a. hard thing to actually apply and do. But. that is truly my, you know, encouragement cuz even like this album, I went back to what I used to you do. I. I had unfinished songs that I'd written. when I was like 16 or 17, I finished. them for this album. And I'm like, why.

wasn't I doing that from the beginning? Like, why did I go all the way around to. try everything I wasn't to come back to. who I really am. And so, that would be. my biggest challenge for you guys is to. to just don't take the long way around. that. Just just start as you and embrace. that cuz that's your your biggest power, your superpower. I mean, looking at like. my career, my career started when I was. truthful. >> Yeah. >> and authentic to who I was. >> Absolutely.

>> And here I am finding my purpose. And. had I never done that or continued to. hide or lie to myself, I would have a very different life. >> Yeah. And thankfully, now you're in the. perfect place at the perfect time. And. you're engaged. >> OH MY GOD. >> [laughter]. >> WINS, WINS, WINS all around. Well, thank. you so much for coming on the show. I. [ __ ] love you. I think you're. amazing. >> I [ __ ] love you, too, Joe. >> I think you're incredible. And yes, another win on Lesbian Mountain. You. guys are welcome for that. So, uh for. those, I don't know, the two straight.

people that watch me and don't know. where to find you, where can everybody. find you? >> Oh, just Hayley Kiyoko anything. But you can see me in theaters June. 19th. >> Yes, you absolutely can. Girls Like. Girls, very exciting. And. >> sitting in every single screening. >> Yes. [laughter]. Don't worry, she'll be at every single. one. >> Row J 11. >> Thank you all so much for tuning into. this episode of The Comment Section. Thank you so much to my amazing guest, Hayley Kiyoko. Don't forget, new. episodes of The Comment Section drop. every Wednesday. Thank you so much to my. amazing guest, Hayley. Thank you so much.

for tuning in, and I'll see you next. week. Bye. >> Bye. >> [music].