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 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
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
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.
