David Archuleta Clarifies Sexuality In New Interview With People Magazine

David Archuleta, known for his powerful vocals and heartfelt performances since his American Idol debut, has continued to evolve both musically and personally. In a recent interview with People, Archuleta opened up about his dating preferences and the ongoing journey of self-discovery that has characterized his public and private life in recent years .

Archuleta, who publicly came out as queer in 2021, told People, "For the most part, I date men. But I consider myself queer, so I'm still open to meeting girls. I still do, if it feels right" . This statement reflects Archuleta's commitment to honoring his authentic self while remaining open to new experiences and connections, regardless of gender.

Archuleta's openness about his sexuality and his willingness to discuss the complexities of identity have made him a notable figure within the LGBTQ+ community. His journey from a closeted Mormon youth to an artist embracing his sensuality and queerness has been marked by both personal challenges and triumphs. In a candid interview earlier this month, Archuleta reflected on his transformation: "I was so out of touch with my sexuality back then that I really didn’t have any sexy charisma, flirty charisma — I just didn’t know myself yet" .

Archuleta has spoken about the difficulties of reconciling his faith and identity, particularly as a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His decision to leave the church was deeply personal, informed by a need to prioritize his well-being and ability to live authentically .

Archuleta’s visibility as a queer artist has resonated with LGBTQ+ fans and allies. His willingness to discuss his dating life, including an openness to relationships with people of any gender, underscores the importance of acknowledging sexual fluidity. This public conversation helps challenge binary notions of sexuality and encourages broader acceptance of diverse experiences within the queer community .

At recent public appearances, including Pittsburgh Pride, Archuleta shared his coming out journey with his mother and the broader community, emphasizing the significance of family support and open dialogue . His story has been featured across LGBTQ+ media outlets, highlighting not only his personal growth but also the ongoing challenges faced by many in reconciling identity, family, and faith.

Reactions to Archuleta’s interview have been largely positive within LGBTQ+ circles, with advocates and fans praising his transparency and nuanced understanding of queerness. Conversations on social media and in LGBTQ+ publications have focused on the importance of allowing individuals to define their own experiences, free from rigid expectations .

Archuleta’s journey is seen as emblematic of the broader movement toward inclusion and understanding. As more public figures openly discuss their sexual and romantic orientations, the visibility of fluid and diverse identities continues to grow, offering hope and affirmation to LGBTQ+ individuals navigating similar paths.

With his new music and continued public advocacy, David Archuleta remains a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. His openness about dating, identity, and personal growth serves as a reminder that queerness is not a fixed experience, but a journey that evolves over time. As he stated in his PEOPLE interview, being "open to meeting girls" is simply one facet of a broader commitment to living authentically and embracing love in all its forms .