Alternative-rock supergroup Boygenius had a massive 2023, and they’re only continuing to get their flowers. First formed in 2018, the band is comprised of indie/alt darlings Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, and Phoebe Bridgers. And while this group (called “the boys” by fans) hasn’t been shy about their love for each other, folks new to the fandom might have some questions. Namely, is Boygenius a throuple?
Let’s start by answering the elephant in the room for people who don’t wear Doc Martens: No, Boygenius isn’t a throuple. Now, if you’re not a Boygenius fan, you might be confused about why the artists are always hugging, kissing, and cuddling each other on stage. Most recently, folks who are unfamiliar with the band were confused about the group’s relationships following the 2024 Grammys. But, as a Boygenius superfan, I can confidently tell you that the band’s PDA is incredibly normal at their shows: we fans eat it up every time. It’s fun, it’s unapologetically queer, and it’s a beautiful representation of strong female friendships.
It is worth noting, however, that all three artists in Boygenius identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Plus, the band has been a huge advocate in the past for LGBTQ+ rights: at a show in Tennessee, the group performed in drag as a way to protest the anti-LGBTQ+ bills that were being proposed in the state at the time. That’s some rockstar behavior if you’re asking me.
But don’t worry — if you thought that the boys were romantically involved, they’re not exactly offended. If anything, Boygenius has commented on their PDA several times at interviews and shows — cheekily, of course. In a June 2023 interview with Teen Vogue, Lucy Dacus said that “being affectionate onstage has been really fun and sweet, and it exhibits behavior that I think is healthy and good.” She also added, “Just being able to gaily and affectionately kiss your bros, that’s a principle I value, that I wish was more valued for kids.”
Additionally, the band has even poked fun at their PDA in a 2023 interview with Variety. When asked about their “sapphic” moments onstage, Phoebe Bridgers broke into a smile and commented, “It’s Sapphic horseplay! That is exactly what it is.” Dacus went on to elaborate saying, “With the horseplay, sometimes we kiss. Sometimes we spin around. Sometimes we throw things at the audience. Sometimes we crowd-surf. Sometimes we pick up Julien or bow to her. It’s never really planned. Sometimes our tits are out.”
Julien Baker also commented on the throuple rumors in the band’s 2023 Rolling Stone interview. According to Rolling Stone, when Dacus and Bridgers brainstormed that the band could make out on stage for their 2023 tour, Julien Baker shook her head, which prompted Bridgers to ask her, “You don’t want to make out with us?” Cheekily, Baker replied, “I’m old school, a one-man guy,” before breaking into a smile and saying, “Just kidding. I’ll make out with y’all.”
The dynamics of Boygenius may not make sense to everyone, I get it. But as a queer person, seeing a huge supergroup embrace their queerness has been absolutely wonderful to witness. It’s refreshing to see artists who aren’t afraid to be playful and affectionate with the people in their lives, and in a way that doesn’t feel fetishizing like queer-baiting. It makes me wish that the younger me had that kind of safe, loving, and unapologetically gay space to express myself freely. While Boygenius isn’t a throuple, they’ll always be my boys!