David Archuleta Calls Out Homophobes Who Walked Out of Christmas Show

David Archuleta is no longer apologizing for who he is.

The singer-songwriter and American Idol alum recently performed at a Christmas concert in Delta, Utah. Towards the end of the show, Archuleta, who came out as queer in 2021, opened up to the audience about his struggle to come to terms with his faith and sexuality.

This certainly struck a nerve with the Utah crowd and, unfortunately, some of the concert-goers chose to walk out of the show. Archuleta also received online reactions that were later brought to his attention, prompting him to share one of the messages on Instagram.

“I thought the concert was incredible and David took the crowd on a magical Christmas journey,” the note began. “With each song the excitement built, those attending loved it and appreciated the great talent and voice that David has. I could not [have] asked for more up to that point. People were having a Christmas experience that was phenomenal. To go from that high to people walking out of the concert when David used what people thought was a Christmas concert to talk about his journey to being queer.”

It goes on to say that "they got an incredible experience but they did not pay for David to take 15 minutes and ruin that Christmas experience they just had. I do not believe that [the] concert was a setting for that to happen. We have some very upset patrons that I will [be] dealing with today. I would hope in the remaining concerts, that would not be allowed and just allow them to have an awesome Christmas experience.”

Archuleta responded to the note with a thoughtful Instagram post.

“My manager received an email that I feel is important to address,” he began. “This tour hasn’t been the easiest for me to do. A way for me to find peace with it is by being open about my journey. I am sharing something that I’ve felt I had to keep hidden nearly all my life. Because you believe your existence is unacceptable. That mindset is not healthy. So I am choosing to not hide that anymore.

“If I offend others for simply saying it’s ok to be who you are and like someone even if it’s the same sex, and people walk out of a show because they are uncomfortable that I am sharing my story of self-acceptance. The person singing those songs on stage was no different from the person at the end of the show.

“I am learning to love myself and encourage others to do the same,” he continued. “Two years ago I was thinking ending my life was better than admitting this openly. If you are more offended that I say I like guys than you are that someone has felt it was better to end their life for that very same reason. I want you to think about why that makes you uncomfortable. I want to have uncomfortable conversations. That’s how you gain understanding.

“I didn’t say anything explicit or inappropriate. If a few dozen people walk out, but there are others staying who need to know they’re not alone in this journey. It’s worth it to me. I felt I was alone. I was scared. I thought I didn’t deserve anything good because I was queer. I hope you can see why I open up about it. It’s healing. And helps me not be ashamed of who I am like I was for many years. Thinking I needed to change me. And if I didn’t change me I was a failure. thank you to the other hundreds who stayed last night to listen. I know it’s not a topic usually talked about and it may be uncomfortable for some. Even if it’s a journey that you may not fully understand, It means the world to me that you still were willing to listen. no, I don’t think sharing my journey ruins any Christmas spirit unless you allow your own misconceptions to ruin it yourself."

The singer continued his thoughts in another comment, making it clear that he is not sorry for sharing his truth.

"To anyone else who still follows me through my journey. I am so grateful for you. I hope you continue to support others who are going through the same things I’ve recently gone through and overcome thanks to the many people like you who are compassionate and supportive. To repeat what my manager said in response to this email, I will not apologize for anything I say however imperfectly I express it. I am me. And I will never apologize for it again how I did for so many years before. And I hope you can unapologetically and lovingly be you too. Wherever you may be on your journey."

You tell 'em, David!