David Archuleta Makes Heartfelt Post Announcing He is Part of the LGBTQ+ Community
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David Archuleta got candid about being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in an Instagram post this weekend. The post has now been liked by over 158,000 people. The American Idol runner-up addressed how he has been trying to balance religion and his sexuality, something that he knows is not easy for those facing the same challenge.
‘American Idol’ Runner Up David Archuleta Opens Up About Being LGBTQ+
Archuleta revealed that he first came out as gay to his family in 2014. He then realized that he had “similar feelings for both genders,” which could suggest a “spectrum of bisexual.” He later learned that he does not have “too much sexual desires and urges as most people.” The 30-year-old was raised Mormon and is saving himself for marriage. People label this as “asexual when they don’t experience sexual urges.”
He was just 16 years old when he competed on American Idol in 2007. He stole the hearts of America and by the end of the competition. Simon Cowell even predicted Archuleta would win the show. It was an upset to some when he came in second place behind winner David Cook. After competing on American Idol, Archuleta went on tour with Demi Lovato, appeared on Hannah Montana with Miley Cyrus, and found tremendous success with his 2008 song “Crush.”
Archuleta’s post addresses those who identify as LGBTQIA+ “who are wrestling to follow their beliefs that are so important to them,” which is also something he admits he struggled with.
“I just invite you to please consider making room to be more understanding and compassionate to those who are LGBTQIA+, and those who are a part of that community and trying to find that balance with their faith which also is a huge part of their identity like myself,” he wrote.
Though he does not feel entirely comfortable sharing this with his fans, he said he wants to “bring more awareness” to those that have found themselves in similar situations. Most importantly, he wants everyone to know that they are not alone. Archuleta previously served as a missionary for the Latter-day Saints in Chile for two years.
“I think we can do better as people of faith and Christians, including Latter-day Saints, to listen more to the wrestle between being LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith,” Archuleta added. “There are more than you may realize going through that wrestle after all the misunderstandings that come with it. I don’t think it should come down to feeling you have to accept one or the other. For me to find peace the reality has been to accept both are real things I experience and make who I am.”
“You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan…” he added.
Celebrities Wrote Supportive Comments on Archuleta’s Post
Archuleta received a slew of supportive comments on the post. Celebrities like Glee star Kevin McHale, actor Leslie Jordan, singer Lance Bass, and American Idol alums Todrick Hall, Nick Fradiani, Kris Allen, and Cassandra Coleman all showed their love. Archuleta’s 413,000 Instagram followers joined the conversation. Some commented about how they have had similar experiences wrestling with their faith and sexuality.
“I am so proud of you and proud to know you. You are so loved, David,” Season 6 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks wrote on the post.
One fan commented on the post about how he went through “the the exact same” after returning home from a missionary trip. Others belonging to the Latter-day Saints lent their support and highlighted the importance of the conversation Archuleta raised.
“Love you man, and so proud of who you are,” Cook wrote to support his fellow Season 7 competitor and friend.
