American Idol: David Archuleta Reveals Struggle Of Being LGBTQIA+ & Mormon
During Pride Month, American Idol star David Archuleta is getting vulnerable on Instagram about being LGBTQIA+ in the Ladder-day Saints religion.
David Archuleta, the runner-up to David Cook on American Idol season 7, recently revealed his long-time struggle of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community while holding fast to his Mormon faith. The 30-year-old typically shies away from the spotlight regarding anything unrelated to music. But during Pride Month, David shared the trials of embracing his true identity as a bisexual individual, all while staying involved in the conservative religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. David hopes his internal battle lets others in similar situations know they're not alone.
When David appeared on American Idol in 2008, his boy-next-door charm and unmatched vocals garnered him a steady fan following, most of which consisted of young girls. Week after week, he received praise from Idol judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. He soared through the competition, performing renditions of "Imagine" by John Lennon and "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey. Though he ultimately lost to Cook, much to the disappointment of his loyal fan base, David built a solid post-Idol career with numerous hit singles like "Crush" and eight studio albums. Along the way, his faith remained strong as he kept fans updated on his mission, which is encouraged for all Mormons.
On the outside, David appeared to be living the dream. But David revealed on Instagram what was happening behind-the-scenes. In 2014, David came out as gay to his family, though he discovered soon after that he had feelings for both genders. He realized he may be bisexual and possibly asexual since he didn't "have too much sexual desires and urges as most people." Marriages and relationships that aren't heterosexual are denounced in most Christian religions, yet the American Idol alum still wanted his faith to be a part of him. "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," said David. "I don't think it should come down to feeling you have to accept one or the other."
Merging the two continues to be difficult for David, but he feels that he and other LGBTQIA+ individuals should be embraced, rather than shunned, by their religious communities. "I've tried for almost 20 years to try and change myself until I realized God made me how I am for a purpose," he said. "If other people choose to live differently than what you've been raised to believe is right, please have compassion because it's most likely been an exhausting journey for them to be OK with the feelings they have."
This isn't the first time an American Idol contestant feared the consequences of their identity. The following year, powerhouse vocalist Adam Lambert thought he'd be rejected by the Idol viewers for being openly gay and didn't officially come out to Rolling Stone until after the finale aired. In 2009, LBGTQ+ acceptance was not as widespread as it is today. Like David, Adam finished in second place to winner Kris Allen and has gone on to enjoy massive success as the new lead singer of Queen.
It seems Adam is living a full life as an out and proud artist. Hopefully, David is able to do the same while maintaining his Christianity, something that's very important to him. David's vulnerable post was met with nothing but positivity from his followers, who praised the American Idol star for his bravery. Maybe opening this discussion and having fans share similar stories will inspire David to be more vocal about his true self.
Source: David Archuleta/Instagram