Troye Sivan and Jacob Bixenman’s Relationship Explained

Who Is Troye Sivan Dating? Inside His Relationship with Jacob Bixenman

Troye Sivan, the Australian singer-songwriter who emerged from YouTube stardom to international acclaim, is celebrated for his honesty, musical evolution, and openness about his experiences as a gay man. Among the most notable chapters in Sivan’s life is his relationship with American model and photographer, Jacob Bixenman. This article explores the origins, milestones, privacy nuances, and enduring impact of their partnership, which became an influential love story within the LGBTQ community and among pop culture enthusiasts at large.

The Beginnings: How Troye Sivan Met Jacob Bixenman

Troye Sivan and Jacob Bixenman first crossed paths at a fashion show in 2016. Their introduction, set against the backdrop of glamour and creativity, quickly led to an inseparable connection. From the outset, their chemistry was apparent, and both would soon find themselves on a journey of mutual support, creative collaboration, and public affection.

• Year Met: 2016
• Setting: Industry fashion show
• Common Ground: Both had established presences in creative industries—Troye in music, Jacob in fashion and photography

The spark was more than just a fleeting attraction. Troye described their bond as immediate and deep, a connection that felt as if it started “since the day that I met him.” They quickly began spending most of their time together when not traveling separately for work.

Building a Shared Life: Moving In and Growing Closer

By late 2016, Sivan and Bixenman had taken the significant step of moving in together in Los Angeles. For Sivan, whose life was transnational and frequently hectic, Bixenman’s presence anchored him to a sense of home and stability. The move was seen not just as a romantic gesture, but a testament to how integral they had become in each other’s daily existence.

• Troye described Jacob as his “best friend” and remarked that their bond felt like “having your best friend around all the time, which is really nice.”
• They lived together in Los Angeles, a city that Sivan said “can get lonely,” making the presence of a trusted partner essential.
• Both would later reflect that this period was formative not only romantically, but also personally and creatively.

Who Is Jacob Bixenman?

While Bixenman is most commonly referenced as Troye Sivan’s former partner, his career and artistic accomplishments stand on their own. He is not only a successful model but also a talented photographer and director, whose influence extends through the worlds of fashion and music.

• Profession: Model, photographer, and director
• Professional Highlights: Has worked with Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and has directed music videos (including major projects for Miley Cyrus)
• Appearances: Made a cameo in Troye Sivan’s “Heaven” music video (2017)
• Personal Touch: Known for his magnetic and welcoming energy; as Sivan puts it, “He’s just got one of those personalities that draws people in.”

Pride, Privacy, and Going Public

Despite both Sivan and Bixenman’s public-facing careers, they were deliberate in keeping the most personal elements of their relationship out of the spotlight. Sivan, who came of age in the era of social media oversharing, actively resisted the urge to document every intimate moment online.

• While fans knew they were together, Sivan explicitly avoided “flaunting” their relationship on Instagram or Twitter.
• He commented, “I don’t think we’ll ever be that couple who Instagram-story each other’s every move…people know that we’ve been together…but they don’t know anything about the ins-and-outs of our relationship.”
• Preserving some privacy was an anchor for both stars amid constant public attention.

This approach was in contrast to many celebrity couples, especially in the social media era, where personal and professional boundaries are often blurred. For Sivan, the guardedness was a source of comfort—sharing only what he felt was right, at a time of his choosing.

Public Moments Together

Despite their staunch commitment to privacy, there were still public milestones and collaborations that fans celebrated:

• Red Carpets and Events: Sivan and Bixenman were often seen together at major fashion and entertainment industry events, always described as “incredibly photogenic”.
• Music Video Appearance: Jacob appeared in Sivan’s “Heaven” music video in 2017, a visual meditation on queer love and acceptance.
• Subtle Social Media Tributes: Occasional joint photos and supportive comments on one another’s posts offered glimpses into their dynamic.

What Made the Relationship Special?

For nearly five years, Sivan and Bixenman’s relationship represented a new model of LGBTQ visibility: proud but not performative, affectionate yet respectful of boundaries.

• Sivan described not only being “madly in love” but also experiencing true friendship; their bond was as much about companionship as it was about romance.
• Their shared creative interests and collaborative spirit provided additional depth to their life together.
• They reportedly “hardly ever argued,” maintaining a “pretty chill” dynamic.

Even after their official breakup, the impact of their relationship lingered. Sivan publicly called Jacob “a significant moment” in his life, emphasizing the lasting positive influence.

The Breakup: When and Why Did Troye Sivan and Jacob Bixenman Split?

The couple’s romance, which had blossomed so publicly, ultimately drew to a close in 2019, with the official breakup noted in early 2020. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, both maintained mutual respect and enduring friendship.

• The pair dated for approximately four and a half years—one of Troye’s longest relationships to date.
• They navigated the breakup privately, remaining close friends and, for a time, sharing custody of their dog Nash.
• Sivan has described their separation as amicable and grounded in mutual understanding rather than conflict.

Jacob Bixenman: Professional Achievements Beyond the Relationship

Bixenman’s identity and visibility have extended far beyond his romantic connection to Sivan. Notable career highlights include:

• Modeling for major brands such as Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and others.
• Directing high-profile music videos for artists like Miley Cyrus, including “Flowers,” “River,” and “Jaded”.
• Advocating for LGBTQ rights and visibility through his public persona and creative projects.

Jacob’s resilience in the wake of personal loss, including the death of his brother in 2018 (which he memorializes with a tattoo), is also a testament to his character.

Was Troye Sivan Linked to Anyone Before or After Jacob?

Sivan’s relationship history is marked by periods of privacy and speculation, with fans fascinated by his rare public disclosures.

• Connor Franta: Prior to Bixenman, Sivan was reportedly linked to YouTuber and author Connor Franta. The romance was never officially confirmed, but fan theories abounded based on social media posts and collaborative videos. Franta has since alluded to their connection as significant for both of their early careers.
• Post-Jacob: As of 2025, Sivan has kept his post-Bixenman romantic life strictly private. He has occasionally been spotted with other industry figures, such as musician Ross Lynch (who appeared in Sivan’s “One of Your Girls” music video), but sources clarify they are just friends.

LGBTQ Representation and Legacy

The relationship between Sivan and Bixenman resonated deeply not just because of their visibility, but due to *how* they chose to be visible. Their romance became a relatable, nuanced example of queer partnership for global audiences. They were celebrated not for drama or spectacle but for authenticity and maturity.

• The pair attended Pride events, supported LGBTQ causes, and engaged thoughtfully in public dialogues about love and acceptance.
• Sivan’s music—especially during their time together—often reflected themes of self-discovery, pride, and genuine vulnerability, further enhancing his role as a queer icon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long did Troye Sivan and Jacob Bixenman date?

A: Troye Sivan and Jacob Bixenman dated for approximately 4.5 years, from 2016 until their breakup in 2019/early 2020.

Q: How did Troye Sivan and Jacob Bixenman meet?

A: They met at a fashion show in 2016, quickly forming a deep personal and romantic bond.

Q: Who is Jacob Bixenman?

A: Jacob Bixenman is an American model, photographer, and director, known for working with major fashion brands and directing music videos for artists like Miley Cyrus. He is also noted for his advocacy and creative collaborations.

Q: Are Troye Sivan and Jacob Bixenman still friends?

A: Yes, after their breakup, Troye and Jacob have remained close friends and shared custody of their dog for a time.

Q: What has Troye Sivan said about privacy in relationships?

A: Sivan has often noted that while he shares aspects of his life with fans, he carefully guards the inner workings of his relationships, finding comfort in keeping much of his private life out of the public eye.