David Archuleta
My Dad’s Acceptance of My Sexuality Healed Me
Published
ABC
David Archuleta is opening up about the emotional minefield that was his relationship with his father Jeff … admitting for years he saw him as a threat to his peace while battling his sexuality within the strict confines of the Mormon Church.
Speaking on “GMA” Monday while promoting his new memoir “Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself,” out Feb. 17, the 35-year-old said he’d been viewing everything through the lens of his terrified younger self … until he reclaimed his voice by redirecting years of bottled-up anger toward his dad into something healthier.
David revealed … the moment he came out to his dad, he stunned him with acceptance, telling him how proud he was — a response he says brought him deep healing.
The former “American Idol” alum also addressed his break from the Mormon church, saying he no longer considers himself religious … explaining if God operates in a way that doesn’t accept him fully, it’s not something he wants in his life.
As for the memoir, David says it’s his way of finally connecting the dots … putting his pain, faith crisis, and self-discovery on the record for anyone ready to learn the full story.
