American Idol's David Archuleta Confesses His Struggles with Christianity and Bisexuality

Ameican Idol alumnus David Archuleta reveals that he has had been struggling with being Christian and his feelings about bisexuality. Archuleta is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he has never been shy about his religious background. On Instagram, Archuleta wrote a lengthy message in the hopes of speaking to those who share his struggle.

Archuleta admits that sexuality is a struggle for him. He confesses, "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. 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 invites his fans to be sympathetic towards him and people who share his struggles. "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.

He continues, "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. 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. 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."

Archuleta has come to accept his sexuality. "For me to find peace the reality has been to accept both are real things I experience and make who I am. I've yet to figure out what that means but I appreciate you listening to this personal matter. 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."

Despite his struggles, Archuleta still believes in God and that God still has a purpose for him. "You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan. And people who don't experience what's outside of the norm being just heterosexual I just plead that you be more understanding to people who experience and struggle with things that you may not experience and understand yourself. 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. So many other traits of who I am come from how I've been created.

Finally, he asks for compassion. "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 and never have been able to change. Perhaps they weren't supposed to try and change the way they were created to be. Even if you're left with so many more questions with faith and sexuality like me I believe being open to both questions and to faith is how we receive answers. God blesses those who ask. So let's keep asking and seeking, and having compassion and patience."

Last year, Archuleta released his ninth studio album, Therapy Sessions. The album features the single "Just Breathe" which is dedicated to the people working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money earned from YouTube views would be donated to Direct Relief towards COVID-19 relief.

 

 

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