David Archuleta on How Dealing With the Shame of His Sexuality and Leaving the Mormon Church Led to His Memoir ‘Devout’: ‘It’s an Ongoing Healing Process’

In his memoir "Devout," singer David Archuleta reveals a harrowing 2020 moment where he contemplated suicide by driving off a cliff, a desperate act stemming from the intense conflict between his LGBTQ+ identity and his Mormon faith. Published by Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books, the book describes feeling forsaken by God during his third engagement to a woman, a period where he writes he believed divine support had vanished. This raw confession stands in stark contrast to the wholesome image he cultivated after rising to fame as the 2008 "American Idol" runner-up, a role that positioned him as a celebrated ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His debut single "Crush," which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, cemented this public persona early in his career.

Archuleta reframes his ascent to stardom, detailing how it unfolded under the domineering control of his father, whom he later identified as emotionally abusive, and against a backdrop of family turmoil exacerbated by a false molestation allegation. For years, he relied on the strict tenets of his faith to suppress what he was taught were sinful attractions, a practice that severely damaged his mental well-being. The Church's stance, which frames same-sex attraction as a trial to be endured but not acted upon, mandated a life of secrecy and internalized shame. This protracted struggle culminated in his public coming-out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021 and his formal departure from the Church in 2023. "I felt like I had to portray myself a certain way for so long," Archuleta explained to Variety, acknowledging a silent battle familiar to many queer individuals.

The outpouring of messages he received after coming out, particularly from within the Latter-day Saint community, ultimately inspired him to write "Devout." He recalls discovering a hidden network of individuals privately signaling their shared experiences, a reality he was oblivious to while maintaining his "good Mormon boy" image. He sees the memoir as a crucial tool to initiate dialogue for those suffering in isolation. The psychological impact of such conflicts is significant; experts note that the dissonance between innate identity and religious doctrine is a leading contributor to anxiety and depression among LGBTQ+ youth in faith communities. Dr. Elena Martinez, a psychologist specializing in religious trauma, affirms the book's value: "Personal narratives like Archuleta's are indispensable. They offer a tangible roadmap for others navigating the collision of faith and identity, demonstrating that while the journey to self-acceptance is arduous, it is attainable."

Compiling the memoir was an emotionally taxing yet ultimately healing process, requiring Archuleta to face long-buried memories of youthful confusion and self-loathing. Re-examining the peak of his fame, when he felt trapped and desperate to escape his public life, proved especially challenging. Through his writing, he aims to foster a nuanced accountability within his former faith community, seeking not merely to criticize but to catalyze understanding and potential reform. "I'm hoping this sets a fire for change and burns down unnecessary walls," he stated, highlighting his desire for constructive dialogue.

Now embracing a hard-earned sense of liberation, Archuleta feels a clear and renewed purpose. He expresses a motivation to continue moving forward and connecting with others who see their own struggles reflected in his story. While he acknowledges anxiety about the book's reception and hopes the public will view his father with complexity rather than outright condemnation, his confidence in his message is unwavering. "I feel so confident in my skin and in my message," Archuleta asserts. "I've spent so many years reflecting on it. I feel like I'm in a great spot." His journey underscores a broader cultural shift, reflecting a growing number of public figures who are using their platforms to advocate for greater acceptance at the intersection of faith and queer identity.