David Archuleta on His Experience of Coming Out in the Mormon Church

David Archuleta opens up to fellow “American idol” alum Jennifer Hudson about his experience growing up religious and his journey to coming out. The singer tells JHud how he almost got married several times and shares how he’s learning to love himself.

If you need someone to talk to call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)

FOLLOW US

#jenniferhudson #jenniferhudsonshow #davidarchuleta

[SirCentex]

You could hear in his voice that this wasn’t easy for him to sit there on national TV to talk about but it must have felt so good having an ICON and industry titan such as Jennifer sitting in front of you letting you know she’s got your back. She didn’t interrupt and gave him all the support he needed. So so proud of these two and have a greater appreciation for the amazing people American Idol introduced us to ❤

[ridhu]

I loved that she never interrupted him with questions and questions… she let him speak freely! She is a good listener!

[GBY]

as a queer person who grew up in the church, he really verbalized the feelings one has going through that journey. really made me emotional hearing him talk and having Jennifer just listen and support

[thehammer]

I'm not gay but I am a member of the Mormon Church and hearing the struggles he has gone through just breaks my heart. I'm glad he has finally found the strength to just be who he is. I'm proud of you David and I hope you find true love and happiness.

[ranzelestrellado]

So proud of you David. It's my first time hearing this, i know it's been so long since this interview and I just learned it now. I'm an LDS as well and part of LGBTQ community but it doesn't mean we will stop believing on how we raised on our church. You are and will always be A Child of God.

[chillbrutha]

David seems to be extremely intuitive and well spoken. Respect that.

[ChrisLeeCarey]

This show is powerful and the way that Jennifer listen’s without prejudice is amazing. Love this show to pieces ♥️

[tommy]

I love Jennifer Hudson, she’s there, she’s listening and not interrupting. You know how hard this must be for David, to share his stories, to finally revealed what has been in his shoulder for long-long time 😢

[lentilneeds]

He is so well spoken. You only know how to articulate these things with such a genuine conviction when you spend years of your life battling these parts of life. My heartbreaks for his struggles in the past but I’m so happy to see him at peace. Beautiful words.

[loomonda]

David, you are seriously so brave, for not only coming out, but to share your story of how you even were so close to being married. I can't express enough how much it means to so much of us how gracious your message and story is to the world - not only for queer people, but for everyone just trying to find their way in the world. I have been experiencing SO much distress about life lately, and hearing how much courage you have to be yourself, in any capacity, is truly a message from God. Thank you David, thank you. <3

[taisad-h]

Wow! David spoke so beautifully, such a calm and gentle young person. I was moved to tears. His message is powerful and peaceful.

[pheonixguymaneha]

Ive been an out Mormon for a while now but I still needed to hear this. Thank you David and Jennifer for this wonderful meeting.

[amirulhadi]

Love the way Jennifer listens and give him space to speak without interrupting. It was beautiful. Feels like having conversations with close sister or friends.

[alastairbayotas]

Growing up as a queer kid in the same church, he summarized basically what I have been feeling since. Made me think that I was in the wrong, that I'll never be accepted but his coming out story made me realize that I need to accept myself first before others can accept me. Ever since I came out, I have never been happier. I miss the church, but as long as we don't see eye to eye, I'll just silently stand on the side and keep believing that God loves me no matter what.

[TheLucqui]

Jennifer Hudson mad respect for getting this story out there!

[danielminutilli]

David is a saint. I have been to many of his concerts and he is super positive, heaven on earth. His message is powerful. And, of course, his singing is wonderful.

[ShaunMiddletonHorror]

Until you go through it you don’t realise how hard it is to wish that you could change or were born different from something that you literally have no control over. I’m so proud of him for sharing his story and hopefully it will help and give comfort to others

[queentangy]

I love Jennifer even more now! The power of an ally is so profound. Having those safe people, even if they have never experienced having to come out/reconcile their faith and sexuality, yet still just show empathy and compassion? It's enough to make me cry <3 Thank you Jennifer and to all the allies out there!

[kc-xbdr]

I've always felt that he's (to his core) the most wonderful person.

[bugpal]

What a delightful young man. Well spoken, handsome without being overdone and ridiculous, beautiful smile... I'm glad he's feeling freer than ever.