David Archuleta reveals he’s part of LGBTQIA community, opens up about coming to terms with his faith
David Archuleta has come out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, where he admitted his struggles about coming to terms with his sexuality and Mormon faith.
The singer revealed that he’s “not sure” about his sexuality in a heartfelt Instagram post today, June 13, where he said he’s been open to himself and close family “for some years now.”
“I like to keep to myself but also thought this was important to share because I know so many other people from religious upbringings feel the same way. I’ve been open to myself and my close family for some years now that I am not sure about my own sexuality,” Archuleta wrote.
According to the singer, he came out as gay to his family in 2014, but has since been uncertain about his true sexuality.
“I had similar feelings for both genders so maybe a spectrum of bisexual. Then I also have learned I don’t have too much sexual desires and urges as most people which works I guess because I have a commitment to save myself until marriage. Which people call asexual when they don’t experience sexual urges,” Archuleta added.
Archuleta, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then urged his followers to be more understanding to the LGBTQIA+ community who are “finding balance” with their faith.
“I think we can do better as people of faith and Christians, including Latter-day Saints, I listen more to the wrestle being LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith. There are more than you may realize going through that wrestle after all the misunderstandings that come with it,” he added.
Archuleta also encouraged his fellow Mormon believers and Christians to have compassion for other people who “live differently than what you’ve been raised to believe is right.”
“You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan… I’ve tried for almost 20 years to try and change myself until I realized God made me how I am for a purpose. And instead of hating what I have considered wrong I need to see why God loved me for who I am and that it’s not just sexuality,” he said.
Archuleta became known to the public eye after coming as the first runner-up in the seventh season of American Idol.
He is known for his hit songs Crush, A Little Too Not Over You, Touch My Hand, and Something ‘Bout Love.
The American Idol alum also starred opposite Jasmine Curtis-Smith in the 2012 teleserye Nandito Ako. He also released an OPM cover album in the same year featuring songs like Forevermore, Rainbow, and Nandito Ako, among others.
Banner photo from @davidarchie on Instagram