Former “American Idol” contestant, and singer-songwriter David Archuleta came out a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, while stressing that he’s still a person of faith.
In an Instagram post, Archuleta said he came out as gay to his family in 2014. However, even then, he had similar feelings for both genders, suggesting “a spectrum of bisexual.” And then he also didn’t “have too much sexual desires and urges as most people,” implying he may also be “asexual” (the term used to refer to people who “don’t experience sexual urges”).
“There are people experiencing the same feelings of being LGBTQIA+,” Archuleta stated, adding that “there are a lot of unique experiences people feel and live that make them feel isolated and alone… who are wrestling to follow their beliefs that are so important to them, just as I have.”
Now 30, Archuleta said it’s uncomfortable for him to share this personal aspect of his life. He nonetheless wanted to bring more awareness to people in a similar situation.
“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 also encouraged The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – which he is part of – to “listen more to the wrestle between 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. I don’t think it should come down to feeling you have to accept one or the other.”
In the end, for Archuleta, “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…”
🙏❤️ sharing my thoughts pic.twitter.com/NELz0Ufc10
— David Archuleta (@DavidArchie) June 12, 2021
