In the middle of Pride Month, David Archuleta, one of the most popular American Idol contestants of all time, has publicly come out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, in an emotional two-part Instagram essay detailing his “exhausting,” complicated, and nearly 20-year struggle with his sexuality and faith.

“I like to keep to myself but also thought this was important to share because I know so many other people from religious upbringings feel the same way,” wrote the Season 7 Idol runner-up, who was raised Mormon.

Then I also have learned I don’t have too much sexual desires and urges as most people which works I guess because I have a commitment to save myself until marriage.

Which people call asexual when they don’t experience sexual urges.

There are people experiencing the same feelings of being LGBTQIA+ (I know that’s a lot of letters that a lot of people don’t understand, but there are a lot of unique experiences people feel and live that make them feel isolated and alone that are represented) who are wrestling to follow their beliefs that are so important to them, just as I have.”.

While Archuleta was reluctant to put a label on his sexuality and stressed that he doesn’t “have all the answers,” he encouraged his followers, particularly religious ones, to “please 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.

I think we can do better as people of faith and Christians, including Latter-day Saints, to listen more to the wrestle between being LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith.

Again 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.

You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan.”.

A post shared by David Archuleta (@davidarchie).

After maxing out Instagram's character count, Archuleta continued sharing his final thoughts in his post’s comments section, writing, “For people who don’t really understand how feelings outside of just being heterosexual can be possible and OK I just plead with you to be more understanding.

In 2008, when the now 30-year-old Archuleta competed on the famous “David versus David” season at the height of Idol-mania, he was just 17, and — as he told Yahoo Entertainment in a candid 2018 interview about mental health — he was entirely unprepared for “all the pressure.

The thousands of fan comments on Archuleta’s Saturday Instagram post were overwhelmingly positive; among those voicing their support were American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook, who wrote, “Love you man, and so proud of who you are.” Season 7 top five contestant Brooke White, who is Mormon herself, commented, “I love you David, always inspired by your most genuine and sincere soul.

So thankful to know you.” And Season 7 top 12 finalist David Hernandez, who came out as gay in 2016 (and was the focus of a minor scandal during his Idol run when it was revealed that he'd worked as a nude dancer at a gay strip club), wrote, “Beautiful words my friend.