Hayley Kiyoko Alcroft, born on April 3, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and author known for her trailblazing contributions to the entertainment industry as both a performer and a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Rising to fame as Velma in the TV movie Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (2009), Kiyoko has since established herself as a multifaceted artist, garnering acclaim for her work in both film and music.

Kiyoko's early life was enriched by her diverse cultural background, with her father, Jamie Alcroft, being a comedian and her mother, Sarah Kawahara, a figure skater and choreographer. This artistic influence undoubtedly shaped Kiyoko's passion for performance from a young age. She began her career in entertainment as a child actor, appearing in various television shows and films. Notably, she gained recognition for her role as Stef's daughter, the character of Jasmine, in the critically acclaimed series The Fosters (2014) and had a recurring role in the popular show Wizards of Waverly Place (2010).

In addition to her acting career, Kiyoko has made significant strides in music. She released her first extended play, A Belle to Remember, in 2013, followed by This Side of Paradise in 2015, which featured the hit single "Girls Like Girls." This particular song resonated deeply with audiences and became an anthem for LGBTQ+ representation. Her subsequent EP, Citrine (2016), solidified her position as an emerging pop artist. Kiyoko's debut studio album, Expectations, was released in 2018 and achieved commercial success, reaching the top 20 in the charts of the United States, Canada, and Australia. The album showcased her unique sound and lyrical authenticity, further establishing her as a powerful voice in contemporary pop music.

Continuing her artistic evolution, Kiyoko released her fourth extended play, I’m Too Sensitive for This Shit, in 2020, and her second studio album, Panorama, in 2022. These projects further explored themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance, cementing her reputation as a relatable and impactful artist.

In 2023, Kiyoko expanded her creative repertoire by publishing her first novel, Girls Like Girls, through Wednesday Books. The book debuted at number one on the New York Times Best Sellers list for Young Adult Hardcover and won the Goldie Award for Young Adult Fiction from the Golden Crown Literary Society. Additionally, she collaborated with artists Naomi Franquiz and Marla Vazquez to create a comic book based on her song "Gravel to Tempo," demonstrating her versatility and commitment to storytelling.

With her dynamic career and dedication to advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community, Hayley Kiyoko continues to inspire many as she navigates her artistic journey, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.