ABOVE: David Archuleta, photo via Archuleta’s Facebook page.
In an Instagram post Saturday, 31-old David Archuleta announced to his more than 400,000 followers he’s a member of the LGBTQ community. The singer-songwriter, who was the second place finalist on season seven (2008) of Simon Cowell’s “American Idol” franchise, had previously come out as gay in 2014.
A devout Mormon, Archuleta grew up in Murray, Utah, in suburban Salt Lake City and now lives in Tennessee. “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,” he wrote.
“I’ve been open to myself and my close family for some years now that I am not sure about my own sexuality,” he continued. “I came out in 2014 as gay to my family. But then I had similar feelings for both genders so maybe a spectrum of bisexual.”
Archuleta added, “There are people experiencing the same feelings of being LGBTQIA+, (I know that’s a lot of letters that a lot of people don’t understand, but there are a lot of unique experiences people feel and live that make them feel isolated and alone that are represented) who are wrestling to follow their beliefs that are so important to them, just as I have. Idk what to make of it and I don’t have all the answers. 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.”
The timing of Archuleta’s announcement comes as Pride month is being celebrated around the world, and as as Pride Week comes to an end in his native Salt Lake City.
According to ABC NEWS 4 in Salt Lake City, the singer-song writer was last in Utah a couple of years ago then before that, almost a decade ago. Which was when he said he was making the biggest announcement of his life at the time.
He had announced his plans to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later then served a religious mission in Chile for two years before returning home to Murray and then later on moving to Tennessee.
In his Instagram post, he shared in reflection of his Mormon upbringing and background, “Again I don’t feel comfortable sharing it, but felt I needed to to bring more awareness to people in my same situation and let you know you’re not alone. You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQB0FNtlLrs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
