**Hayley Kiyoko Champions Representation in Literature During Podcast Interview**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/hayley-kiyoko-girls-like-girls-032526-2-20731560ac5e4b11b7d49a79effb27d5.jpg)
Hayley Kiyoko, the acclaimed singer and author, has recently shed light on the significant strides in literary representation during her appearance on the podcast *Undefinable*. The episode, part of an initiative by the Asian American Girl Club, featured Kiyoko discussing her own experiences with a lack of diversity in the books she encountered while growing up.
Reflecting on her childhood, Kiyoko expressed frustration over the limited narratives available to her. “I was already told the narrative of who I was supposed to be, even though I already knew I didn’t fit that box,” she remarked. She emphasised that her reading experiences were largely shaped by traditional tropes, often portraying a singular storyline where a woman marries a man and starts a family.
Kiyoko noted that, while literary representation has evolved in recent years, her earlier encounters with literature were lacking in variety. “It was just very much like, ‘You marry a man. You have kids. This is the storyline,'” she recalled. This narrow portrayal left her feeling disconnected, as she struggled to identify with the conventional characters and their experiences.
Taking matters into her own hands, Kiyoko has embarked on a mission to enhance representation in literature. As an out member of the LGBTQ+ community, she has authored two New York Times bestselling novels that centre on queer themes and include Asian characters. Her novel *Girls Like Girls*, inspired by her hit song of the same name, is a coming-of-age tale featuring a sapphic romance and has resonated with readers seeking authentic representation.
Set in Oregon, *Girls Like Girls* follows 17-year-old Coley, who moves to the state after the death of her mother. There, she navigates her burgeoning feelings for a girl named Sonya. Kiyoko’s storytelling delves into themes of grief, love, and self-acceptance—issues that reflect her own journey and the complexities of growing up in a world that often marginalises individuals like her.
In addition to the thematic inclusivity of her works, Kiyoko has also made a considerate choice regarding the physical presentation of her books. She has designed the covers of *Girls Like Girls* and her upcoming novel, *Where There’s Room for Us*, with blank jackets. This thoughtful inclusion allows readers to enjoy her stories discreetly, catering to those who may not feel safe reading openly due to their orientation.
*Where There’s Room for Us*, set to be released in 2024, is a historical romance featuring the relationship between a poet named Ivy and a socialite named Freya during a courtship season reminiscent of the 1800s. Kiyoko has expressed her desire to see greater representation of Asian characters in period literature, challenging the conventional narratives often seen in classics.
The inspiration for her latest novel came from her admiration for Jane Austen’s *Pride and Prejudice*. Speaking on the *Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club* podcast last year, Kiyoko revealed how the classic made her envision herself within its world. “I thought I was like Mr. Darcy. Like, that was me,” she shared, noting her longing to see characters that mirrored her own identity.
By creating her own stories, Kiyoko aims to fill the gaps she noticed in her early reading experiences. Her goal is not just to entertain, but also to demonstrate that love and identity can take more diverse forms than traditionally depicted. “That’s why I ended up doing a queer, hyperreality version of it,” she explained.
As Kiyoko’s books reach a wider audience, they are set to have an impact on the next generation of readers. Her commitment to inclusive storytelling is a step towards fostering understanding and acceptance, inspiring readers to embrace their true selves. With her innovative approach to literature, Hayley Kiyoko is indeed embodying the change she wishes to see in the world.