Hayley Kiyoko on Transformation: “We Put So Much Pressure on Ourselves to be Something”
"I’ve definitely struggled with defining beauty and what that means on the scale of femininity and masculinity," Hayley Kiyoko tells Allure when asked about the pressure placed on LGBTQIA+ people to appear a certain way. Of course, there is no right way to look queer. If you're queer, then whatever makes you feel most confident is right.. But that doesn't stop society from laying on the pressure. "It’s OK to want to dress feminine one day and masculine another day," she says over the phone. "Beauty is within. Beauty is about confidence and embracing who you are. That’s something that took me a long time growing up to realize, 'Oh, it’s about how I feel, and being comfortable in my own skin.'"
The musician, actress, and activist is dubbed "lesbian Jesus" by her fans for a reason. Kiyoko is able to create art infused with relatable vulnerability, such as her latest album titled I'm Too Sensitive For This Shit while promoting infectious confidence. It's no wonder that Olay Body chose to partner with her for their #FearlessMoment campaign. The campaign challenges women to practice self-care through their nourishing body wash for 14 days and watch their skin transform. While on the phone with Allure, Kiyoko also discussed the unique transformations that LGBTQIA+ people go through and the courage it takes to be yourself. Previously, Olay Body partnered with Pose star Mj Rodriquez keeping Kiyoko in good company.
When Kiyoko spoke with Allure, she was preparing to host the Billboard Women in Music Awards on December 12. "I am nervous but I have to embrace my fearless moment," the singer admits. Kiyoko killed it. During her opening speech at the ceremony, she called out sexism in the music industry, stating "Women are not given the same space in the industry as men. We're underrepresented as producers, songwriters, label heads," she said. "But we see each other, and we are helping each other be seen."
Her words echoed the supportive and loving sentiment towards fellow women and queer folks fighting to make their dreams come true the star is revered for. The day after the award show, Hayley Kiyoko released her latest single, “Runaway," and embarks on a U.S. tour in January.
A rockstar as busy as Kiyoko will take all the time-saving tricks she can. As part of her partnership, Kiyoko embarked on Olay Body's 14-Day Transformation Journey, meaning she used the brand's Ultra Moisture Body Wash every day for two weeks. Since this wash is meant to tackle dry skin in the shower, Kiyoko says it saved her timed by reducing how often she needs to reapply lotion. "I've been using it while traveling," Kiyoko explains. "It's an all-in-one situation. You can just wash your body and feel good and glowing afterward." She also says using the body wash streamlined her beauty routine before big events. "I usually have to put some sort of shine on my legs to make sure that I'm glowing, but now I'm actually just going to be naturally glowing," the performer says.
"Maybe we’re not as confident as we want to be or are still discovering who we are. We don’t have to decide that now."
Kiyoko feels that getting that glow isn't just for the cameras. "Self-care and skin care go hand in hand," she continues. "Taking care of my skin makes me more present to focus on what I’m working on and the people I’m surrounded by. Do everything you can to be comfortable in your own skin." While Kiyoko says she's seen major improvements in her skin after completing Olay Body's journey, she also understands the transformative process of stepping into your own as an LGBTQIA+ person. However, she wants anyone going through their own transformation, in particular, queer kids, to understand that it doesn't need to happen overnight. "We put so much pressure on ourselves to be something. And sometimes we need time. Maybe we’re not as confident as we want to be or are still discovering who we are. We don’t have to decide that now," she says. "Alleviate that pressure off of you. I put that pressure on what beauty is and what that looks like, and as soon as I took that pressure off myself I was like, this is me, 'This is who I am.' All of a sudden all of those things that I was trying to build for myself just came."
Read more stories about LGBTQIA+ beauty rituals:
What Makeup Means to the Young LGBTQ+ Models of Make Up For Ever’s New Campaign
Makeup Artist Mario Dedivanovic on Coming Out: He's "Finally Free”
This Spirit Day, Learn How to Be a Good Ally to LGBTQIA+ Friends
Now, find out five ways Zendaya would change the world:
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Originally Appeared on Allure
