Hayley Kiyoko Opens Up About Why She Never Dreamed of Marriage Before Getting Engaged to Becca Tilley
By Lex Goldstein | Updated on November 7, 2025 | PEOPLE Entertainment
Pop star Hayley Kiyoko is opening up about how her perception of marriage has evolved — especially now that she’s engaged to longtime girlfriend Becca Tilley.
During her appearance on the Zach Sang Show on Nov. 5, the Girls Like Girls singer, 34, revealed that she never imagined getting married while growing up because, for much of her youth, it wasn’t a legal option for same-sex couples.
“I grew up not being able to get married,” Kiyoko said. “So I wasn’t dreaming about weddings or proposals because, legally, I couldn’t get married until 2015.”
The actress and musician, known for her LGBTQ+ advocacy, discussed how she’s now embracing joy and love in all forms while planning her wedding with Tilley, 37. The couple — who began dating in 2018, went public in 2022, and got engaged this summer in Mallorca — are celebrating a love that once felt impossible.
Finding Queer Joy Through Love and Representation
Kiyoko also used the podcast appearance to promote her new novel, Where There’s Room for Us, while reflecting on the importance of telling hopeful queer stories.
“The LGBTQIA+ community has always faced adversity,” she shared. “So, how do we find queer joy? How do we realize a happy ending isn’t black and white?”
She added that much of her creative work — both in music and writing — focuses on reclaiming joy and creating the kind of queer representation she longed for as a teen.
“Seeing two girls fall in love on screen just wasn’t something I saw growing up,” Kiyoko said. “My queer content was basically The Real World.”
A Funny Twist During Their Mallorca Engagement
When discussing her romantic proposal to Tilley, Kiyoko laughed about how her attempt at a private beach moment didn’t go exactly as planned.
“After she said yes, I looked around and realized we were surrounded by naked men,” Kiyoko joked. “Apparently, it was a nude beach!”
Despite the humorous twist, the couple’s engagement marked a deeply meaningful milestone after seven years together. The pair previously told Us Weekly that they prefer keeping major moments private until they’re ready to share them publicly.
Love at Their Own Pace
Throughout their relationship, Kiyoko and Tilley have maintained a steady, authentic approach to love and fame. From going public in 2022 to celebrating their engagement in 2025, they’ve done everything “at our own pace.”
As fans eagerly await updates about their upcoming wedding, Kiyoko continues to inspire with her message of self-love, queer visibility, and joy.
