“The church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) could tell I was not being honest with them. Now that I’m being honest, the thing that [the church] taught me is backfiring. I just say I’m queer. I still don’t know exactly where I am on the spectrum. I’m [definitely] more leaning towards guys. That’s who I’ve been dating… are guys.” ~ David James Archuleta
David Archuleta is a name that is known by people of all ages worldwide. Many people will remember him as an alumnus of season seven of the ABC reality television show American Idol, where he ended his run coming in second place to David Cook.
The 31-year-old entertainer has been a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life. In fact, it is his devotion to his faith that has been the driving force behind his phenomenal career. However, David’s world was suddenly turned upside down during Pride month in June 2021. On June 12, 2021, he publicly came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in an honest and sincere Instagram post. Prior to deciding to make the announcement on social media, he was engaged to be married.
After publicly coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, David was then confronted with a “faith crisis.” In an October 2022 interview with Out Magazine, he said, “Literally my purpose before was building up the kingdom of God and the greatest way do that was to marry a woman and have children with her. That was my [ultimate] goal for the first 30 years of my life. Now, I must decide what it is as a queer person. I've been engaged three times. I bought three wedding rings for girls, but it felt dishonest.”
During the interview, David also expressed how he feels now that he has been out for over a year. He said, “I feel a lot more comfortable with myself. I’ve been able to sit with it for over a year now and explore that, and not judge myself so much for simply being the way that I am. It’s been very freeing to do that, but it’s also been difficult having to re-identify myself.” He further commented, “I feel like it’s a miracle that I’ve gotten to this place where I am accepting myself. I didn’t think I ever could. I thought the only way that I could accept myself was if this part of me was gone and to get rid of it and praying that this part would no longer be associated with who I am. Now it’s a miracle that I embrace this part of me, and I love this part of me. I never had been able to say that I love myself.”
Yahoo Entertainment proclaims that “his latest song, the high energy “Faith in Me,” reflects where he is after his intimate message to fans.”
Where is David James Archuleta on his faith journey now? Once he was able to reconcile his sexuality with his own spirituality, he began speaking to church leaders about Latter-day Saint perspectives on the LGBTQ+ community, but seemingly to no avail. The conversations left him feeling frustrated and exhausted. He even contemplated suicide at one point. At best, David describes his current relationship with the Church as being “very complicated.”
In a recent interview with People Magazine, David talked about the spiritual values that he grew up with. He stated, “they're [the Church is] comparing being gay to murdering someone, and you're like, 'I don't want to be an evil person.’” He continued, “For my own mental health, I can't keep putting myself in a place where it's so conflicting where they say, 'We love you so much, but at the same time, you must change who you are. Oh, you can't? Then we're going to ignore this problem.’” He added:
I tried to hide from this all my life, and I can't. I just had to take a step away, take a break from religion — because for my own sanity, I did not want to weigh out whether it was better for me to live and exist, or if it was better for me not to exist. . .. It hurts me because my religion was everything for me. But you get to a point where you realize there are some things not right here. I need to just live my life because I already know I'm okay how I am.
This past summer, David found solace when he starred in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in his native Utah. He found the experience to be inspiring, and he felt relaxed and at home.
He told People Magazine, “This was the most gay people I've ever been around. I always avoided being around other gay people because I thought if I was around it, it was going to bring it out of me, but it's great to be around queer people who [actually] embrace who they are.”
In 2008, almost 15 years ago, David released his debut single “Crush,” which remains one of his most requested songs. He admits that he never connected with the song until last year, at the age of 30, he kissed a man for the first time. He told People Magazine, “It felt effortless. I was like, ‘Oh, so this is what it feels like to like someone.’ Now I see why everyone relates to my song.’”
David James Archuleta confirms he has dated men since coming out (though he wouldn't comment on his current relationship status).
Endnotes:
This author is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, identifying as gay (He/Him/His). Regardless of David Archuleta's sexual orientation and preferences, I will continue to support him as a magnificent performer, but most importantly as a brother. I hope that all his loyal fans will continue to support him as well. I also hope that they understand that just because David is queer, that does not define his true character. He is still the same David James Archuleta on the inside. He is still the same loving, caring person that he has always been. Nothing has changed.
This is the time when the rubber really meets the road. The question that begs an answer is, "How many 'fans' will abandon David because of his choices? Personally, I am happy that he finally feels some real peace and happiness in his life — that he finally feels that he can be his authentic self — that he finally feels liberated.
I know that some people, including Latter-day Saints, will probably be highly upset after reading and hearing this news about David, but I boldly remind people that there are a lot worse, and more important things, in this world to be concerned about than a girl kissing and making love to another girl, or a boy kissing and making love to another boy. Love is Love. LGBTQ+ love is just as natural as Cisgender love.
As far as "religion" is concerned, as I stated in a social media post titled "Wearing the Mask of the False Bravado" during pride month of 2022:
There comes a time when we need to separate 'religion' from 'reality.' Religion, has never, does not now, nor will it ever grant salvation to anyone. . . Nowhere have I ever read that we are saved by a 'religion.' No, we are not saved by any 'religion.' 'For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do' (2 Nephi 25:23, Book of Mormon). A person can live under whatever umbrella of 'religion' that they so choose. It is not the 'religion' that saves them. It is their personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
David James Archuleta has a personal relationship with the Savior. I am happy and proud that he is finally being true to, and making peace with, himself. If he decides to marry a man, who are we to stand in his way to judge and condemn him? We are not commanded to judge and condemn one another, but we are commanded to love one another as the Father has loved each of us.
Joel Oleson on the Mormon Building Bridges Facebook page posted the following:
I just finished reading the people magazine article about David’s decision to step away… I respect him and know many are confused about how to process this. I wanted to share what I sent to him.
https://people.com/music/david-archuleta-steps-back-from-mormon-church-after-coming-out-as-queer/
David, (and all the other kids and adults wondering how to live your best life…)
I know this was the hardest decision of your life. I respect you so much. I was really hoping the church would make the change before you did, but it’s true you are saving lives. I still hope and pray that the truth that I know exists will come forth. That all of God’s children, no matter where they are, how they were created, are loved and there is a clear path to happiness that involves them loving themselves and their chosen partner. All of God’s blessing available to all who will follow Him. God is no respecter of persons. I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism and as Jesus said “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1–3). If this is not clear that God has a place with him for all of us. Don’t for one second believe that he doesn’t love you as you are.
David, I hope you continue to save lives, inspire people to live their best lives and be their best selves.
May God bless you and keep you close to him.
- Joel
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