By Amira Danica Pasion
American singer David Archuleta has revealed his gender identity as a part of the LGBTQIA+ and gave his perspective about the circumstances that people like him have experienced.
David took to Instagram to affirm his being involved in the LGBTQIA+ community coming out as an asexual individual.
“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,” he elaborated.
The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) clarified through their official website that an asexual person is an individual who does not experience any sexual attraction or desires towards the opposite or same-sex.
In addition, AVEN also stated that asexual people still have the possibility to feel romantic, aesthetic, and sensual attraction to others but they would not lead to having sexual desires.
Other than David’s revelation, the singer also disclosed in his social media post that he struggled to question his identity in accordance with his religious faith for almost 20 years.
“[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,” David explained.
The 30-year-old singer and occasional actor did not only speak up for himself but also for the individuals included in the LGBTQIA+ community who encounter the same struggle as him.
[I] don’t feel comfortable sharing it, but felt I needed to bring more awareness to people in my same situation and let you know you’re not alone,” Archuleta stated in his Instagram post.
David emphasized that people involved in the LGBTQIA+ community had a bigger picture of their experiences which some individuals should know as they struggle with their true sexual identity together with beliefs or faith.
In line with this, Archuleta encouraged society to respect the decision that individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community have made towards their gender identity and sexual orientation.
“[P]lease 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,” he added.
For David, peace will be achieved if people consider the balance between different sexual identities and religious faith.
Meanwhile, David also clarified in his Instagram story that the post he recently made was just his thoughts about the LGBTQIA+ community.
Famous singers such as David Cook and Jordin Spark have shown their support towards Archuleta’s Instagram post noting his undeniable courage to disclose his gender identity to the public.