Lauren Jauregui, the talented former Fifth Harmony member, has been making headlines not just for her solo music career but also for her evolving approach to love and relationships. The 28-year-old singer has been refreshingly open about her personal life, sharing insights into her romantic journey that have fans and sparked important conversations about modern dating and sexuality.
Following her high-profile relationship with rapper Ty Dolla $ign from 2017 to 2019, Jauregui found love again with professional dancer Sasha Mallory. The couple went Instagram official on Valentine’s Day 2023, with Jauregui posting intimate photos captioned “My Valentine,” while Mallory shared her own romantic post labeled “My first Valentine.” Their relationship blossomed after meeting during Jauregui’s “Always Love” tour, where Mallory performed as a dancer.
However, the couple has since parted ways, leading Jauregui on a fascinating journey of self-discovery and exploration of alternative relationship structures. In a candid conversation on the “2 Dykes and a Mic” podcast, the singer revealed she’s currently exploring polyamory, stating, “I want to belong to myself primarily, and then I want to leave space for whoever I meet and me to create boundaries between us.” This honest discussion about her evolving relationship philosophy has resonated with many fans who appreciate her authenticity and willingness to challenge traditional relationship norms.
Current Relationship Status: Single and Exploring
Lauren Jauregui (Image via Getty)
As of 2025, Lauren Jauregui is officially single but actively exploring new approaches to love and connection. After her breakup with Sasha Mallory, the singer has embraced a period of self-discovery that she describes as feeling “very free.” Rather than jumping into another monogamous relationship, Jauregui has chosen to explore polyamory, a relationship structure that allows for multiple romantic connections with the knowledge and consent of all parties involved.
The singer emphasized that she’s not interested in casual encounters, clarifying, “I’m not in a space of wanting to f— random people at all, like literally at all.” Instead, she’s focused on building meaningful connections that align with her values and emotional needs. This approach reflects her self-identified demisexual orientation, which requires emotional connection for sexual attraction and intimacy.
The Sasha Mallory Chapter: A Beautiful Connection
Jauregui’s relationship with Sasha Mallory represented a significant chapter in her romantic life. Mallory, a 34-year-old professional dancer who previously appeared on “So You Think You Can Dance,” brought both professional and personal fulfillment to Jauregui’s life. Their connection began professionally when Mallory joined Jauregui’s tour as a dancer, eventually blossoming into a romantic relationship that lasted several years.
The couple’s relationship was characterized by mutual support and artistic collaboration. Mallory not only performed alongside Jauregui on stage but also appeared in her 2021 live-streamed performance film “PRELUDE.” Their Valentine’s Day 2023 Instagram reveal showed a couple deeply in love, sharing intimate moments and celebrating their connection publicly.
Despite their eventual breakup, Jauregui maintains that there are no hard feelings between them. She describes Mallory as “one of my best friends,” highlighting the mature and respectful way they’ve handled their transition from romantic partners to close friends. This amicable relationship demonstrates Jauregui’s commitment to maintaining healthy connections even when romantic relationships evolve.
Exploring Polyamory: A New Relationship Philosophy
Lauren Jauregui (Image via Getty)
Jauregui’s decision to explore polyamory represents a significant shift in her approach to relationships. During her podcast appearance, she explained her current mindset: “I’m in a space right now at this point in my life where I’m like, I want to belong to myself primarily.” This philosophy emphasizes self-ownership and autonomy while remaining open to multiple connections.
The singer stressed the importance of communication and consent in any polyamorous arrangement, stating, “Obviously, I’m super communicative, so I would never put someone in that scenario that doesn’t want to be in that scenario.” This approach demonstrates her commitment to ethical non-monogamy, where all parties are informed and consenting participants.
However, Jauregui also acknowledged her tendency toward intense romantic connections, joking about being a “U-Haul-ass bitch” who might abandon polyamory if the right person comes along. This self-awareness shows her understanding of her own romantic patterns while remaining open to different relationship structures.
Understanding Demisexuality and Emotional Connection
A crucial aspect of Jauregui’s relationship approach is her identification as demisexual. She explained that she requires emotional connection for sexual attraction, stating, “In order for me to be really turned on and enjoy sex, I need to know that you care about me as a human being. I can’t be transactional for you.”
This revelation came after a period of experimentation with casual encounters, which she found unsatisfying. “I went through the phase of trying to just sleep with people, and I hated it,” she shared. This experience helped her understand her sexual orientation and relationship needs, leading to a more authentic approach to dating and connection.
Her demisexual identity influences how she approaches polyamory, as she seeks meaningful emotional connections rather than purely physical encounters. This understanding of her own sexuality has been crucial in shaping her current relationship philosophy and approach to dating.
Past Relationships and Growth
Lauren Jauregui (Image via Getty)
Before her relationship with Mallory, Jauregui dated rapper Ty Dolla $ign from 2017 to 2019. Their relationship was confirmed publicly when Ty Dolla $ign declared his love for her on social media and during a radio interview. The couple collaborated professionally, working together on Fifth Harmony’s hit “Work From Home” and Ty’s album “Beach House 3.”
Jauregui’s relationship history also includes being outed as bisexual in 2016 when gossip blogger Perez Hilton shared a photo of her kissing her then-girlfriend at a wedding. This experience was traumatic for the singer, who wasn’t ready to come out publicly at the time. “I was outed to the public,” she explained, “My own process was violated.”
These experiences have shaped Jauregui’s approach to privacy and public relationships, making her more intentional about how and when she shares personal information with her fans and the media.
Career and Personal Balance
In her personal life, Jauregui continues to focus on her solo career. She recently revealed that her debut album is set for release in 2025, describing it as exploring “an alternative vibe” that reflects her emotions about life and the world. The singer has also maintained close relationships with three of her former Fifth Harmony bandmates, meeting with them regularly and celebrating their collective achievements.
Jauregui’s ability to balance her evolving personal life with her professional commitments demonstrates her maturity and growth as both an artist and an individual. Her openness about her relationship journey has also made her a role model for fans to ask their own questions about sexuality and relationship structures.
Lilli Kay has captured audiences worldwide with her compelling performances in hit series like “Yellowstone” and “Your Honor,” but her personal life has sparked equally intense curiosity among fans. The talented actress, who made history with the first LGBTQ+ kiss on “Yellowstone,” has been refreshingly open about her relationships and identity, making her a beloved figure both on and off screen.
Born on March 18, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York, Kay comes from an entertainment family—her father, Stephen Kay, is a prominent director and executive producer who has worked on “Yellowstone,” while her stepmother is actress Piper Perabo. This early exposure to Hollywood helped shape her career trajectory, but it’s her authentic approach to love and relationships that has truly resonated with audiences.
The 29-year-old actress has navigated the complexities of dating in the public eye while building an impressive career spanning television, film, and theater. From rumored connections with co-stars to her current relationship with model Juli Kocemba, Kay’s romantic journey reflects her commitment to living authentically as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Her openness about her personal life has not only endeared her to fans but has also contributed to important representation in mainstream entertainment, particularly through her groundbreaking moment on “Yellowstone” that brought real-life love to the screen.
Current Relationship Status: Dating Juli Kocemba
Lilli Kay (Image via Getty)
Lilli Kay is currently in a loving relationship with Juli Kocemba, a Polish model and actor who identifies as a trans masculine person using they/them pronouns. The couple has been together since 2022, and their relationship has been characterized by mutual support and public displays of affection.
Juli Kocemba, who is 24 years old as of 2024, stands 1.78 meters tall and works as both a model and social media influencer. Born under the zodiac sign Pisces, Kocemba has become an integral part of Kay’s life both personally and professionally. The couple frequently appears together on red carpets and social media, showcasing their strong bond and commitment to each other.
What makes their relationship particularly special is how it intersected with Kay’s professional life. When “Yellowstone” needed someone for Kay’s character Clara, to kiss in what would become the show’s first non-heterosexual kiss, Kay asked her real-life partner to step in for the role. This authentic moment not only made television history but also demonstrated the couple’s comfort with sharing their love publicly.
The Historic Yellowstone Kiss That Changed Everything
The relationship between Lilli Kay and Juli Kocemba gained significant attention when it was featured on “Yellowstone” in a groundbreaking scene. During the filming of season five, episode seven titled “The Dream is Not Me,” Kay’s character, Clara, shared the show’s first LGBTQ+ kiss.
The kiss came about organically due to COVID-19 protocols during filming. As Kay explained, the script called for her character to make out with someone, but finding an appropriate person who was already in the testing cycle proved challenging. Kay approached her partner about stepping in for the role, and Kocemba agreed to participate.
This moment was significant not just for the show but for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television. Kay expressed gratitude that the production team was supportive throughout the process, noting that “everybody was very loving and supportive.” The scene aired as part of the Montana State Fair episode, where ranchers attend the fair and Clara shares an intimate moment with someone in a cowboy hat.
Past Relationship Rumors: Nicholas Galitzine Connection
Lilli Kay (Image via Getty)
Before her relationship with Juli Kocemba, Lilli Kay was rumored to have been involved with British actor Nicholas Galitzine. The 30-year-old Libra, who stands 1.83 meters tall, worked alongside Kay in the Netflix supernatural horror series “Chambers” in 2019.
The dating rumors began when both actors shared photos together on social media, leading fans to speculate about a romantic connection. However, neither Kay nor Galitzine ever confirmed these relationship rumors publicly. The speculation appears to have been based primarily on their close friendship and professional collaboration rather than any confirmed romantic involvement.
Galitzine, known for his roles in various films and television series, has maintained his privacy regarding personal relationships, and the rumored connection with Kay remains unconfirmed. The actors worked together professionally on “Chambers,” where Kay played Penelope Fowler opposite Galitzine’s character.
Career Success and Personal Growth
Lilli Kay’s relationship timeline coincides with her rising career success in Hollywood. She gained recognition for her role as Sofia “Fia” Baxter in the Showtime drama series “Your Honor” alongside Bryan Cranston, appearing in both seasons of the show. Her performance in this series helped establish her as a talented dramatic actress capable of handling complex characters.
Her role as Clara Brewer in “Yellowstone” season five further elevated her profile, particularly given her family connection to the show through her father Stephen Kay, ‘s involvement as a director and executive producer. This role not only showcased her acting abilities but also provided the platform for her historic LGBTQ+ representation moment.
In 2025, Kay expanded her range by appearing as “Zero” in the Apple TV+ sports comedy “Stick” alongside Owen Wilson. She described her character as “uncompromising,” explaining that “if Zero believes something, they believe it with their whole heart.” This role demonstrates her versatility as an actress capable of transitioning between drama and comedy.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Community Support
Lilli Kay (Image via Getty)
Beyond her romantic relationships, Lilli Kay has established herself as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. She uses she/they pronouns and has been open about her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Her advocacy work has made her a beloved figure not just for her acting talents but for her dedication to supporting underrepresented communities.
Kay’s commitment to authentic representation extends beyond her personal life into her professional choices. According to her Coverfly profile, she actively seeks roles that provide accurate and authentic on-screen queer representation. This dedication has contributed to her reputation as an actress who brings both talent and integrity to her work.
Her openness about her identity and relationships has resonated with fans who appreciate seeing authentic LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment. By living openly and honestly, Kay has become a role model for young people in their own identities and relationships.
Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Outside of her acting career and romantic relationships, Lilli Kay maintains diverse interests that reflect her multifaceted personality. She is an accomplished musician, serving as both an alto singer and guitarist. Her musical talents complement her acting abilities and provide another creative outlet for expression.
Kay has developed impressive physical skills that serve her well in action roles, including archery, stage fighting, and swordplay. She’s also an experienced horse rider, having been around animals since age six, which proved valuable for her work on “Yellowstone.” Her linguistic abilities include speaking in various accents, including Australian, New Zealand, and British.
Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 121 pounds, Kay maintains an active lifestyle that supports her demanding career. Her diverse skill set and interests demonstrate her commitment to continuous learning and growth both personally and professionally.
