“American Idol” star David Archuleta is opening up about questioning his sexuality while encouraging others to show compassion toward the LGBTQ community.
The singer who was a Season 7 finalist of “American Idol” wrote a Saturday Instagram post announcing himself as part of the LGBTQ community, though he still has questions about how he identifies.
“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 wrote. “Also have learned I don’t have too much sexual desires and urges as most people … which people call asexual.”
Asexuality can be described as a person who doesn’t fit traditional standards and expectations around sexual desire. Many people in the LGBTQ community think of sexuality as a spectrum. Asexuality is just one end of spectrum with identities (gray areas) in between.
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The 30-year-old singer wrote that asexuality “works” because of his religious commitment to not have sex before marriage, but wanted to aknowledge because he sympathizes with other LGBTQ members that may be “wrestling to follow” their religion.
Archuleta was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wrote that members of his faith along with Christians in general could “do better” by listening to the LGBTQ community.
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“You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan,” he wrote. “I’ve tried for almost 20 years to try and change myself until I realized God made me how I am for a purpose.”
“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,” he added.
Archuleta wrote he didn’t feel “comfortable sharing” his experience but found it necessary.
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“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,” he wrote.
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Other stars applauded him calling him “brave” and sharing how “proud” they are of him.
“You are brave and you are loved,” wrote Grammy-winning singer Joy Williams.
“Will & Grace” actor Leslie Jordan commented: “Proud of you sweet boy. You have an army of supporters. And now it’s time to live your best life.”
David Cook, who Archuleta was runner up to during his time on “Idol” also commented encouraging words: “Love you man, and so proud of who you are.”
