David Hernandez: From American Idol to LGBTQ+ Role Model and Advocate

David Hernandez, a singer and actor who first caught America’s attention as a finalist on season seven of American Idol, has built a career that extends far beyond the stage. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona by a single mother, Hernandez’s upbringing was marked by both musical diversity and the challenges of being biracial and gay in a world with limited representation. “At an early age, I knew that my sexuality wasn’t like other kids around me so that was another added layer of feeling othered in addition to me being half Mexican and half white and coming from a broken household,” Hernandez told Scene Magazine .

Despite early struggles, music served as a sanctuary and source of stability for Hernandez. After a failed record deal, he auditioned for American Idol at 23, waiting in line for 17 hours—an experience that ultimately changed his life. “And music, for me, gave me a sense of stability and belonging in a world where I didn’t naturally feel that way. It’s always been an escape for me,” he reflected .

Hernandez has consistently used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and the importance of diverse representation. “Representation matters. It allows people to feel seen, which makes healing possible. We’re wired for connection. What better way to connect than to recognize that our similarities far outweigh our differences?” he stated in a recent interview, emphasizing the impact of seeing queer, biracial, and artistic individuals in the media .

He has taken part in events like the Phoenix Pride festival, where he served as Grand Marshal, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to give back to his hometown while encouraging others to believe in themselves . Hernandez’s openness about his sexuality and identity has resonated with fans, particularly those navigating their own journeys in environments lacking LGBTQ+ representation.

Hernandez’s latest single, “Feel It All,” is a testament to his commitment to vulnerability and healing. The song, which draws heavily from his own experiences with addiction and recovery, was released in conjunction with National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Awareness Month. “There’s still a lot of stigma around admitting you have a problem, whether it’s alcoholism or addiction. Vulnerability is difficult because people can weaponize it, and that makes honesty really scary,” he explained .

The music video for “Feel It All” features diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community, including drag nuns from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, symbolizing the intersection of spirituality and queer visibility. Hernandez underlined the importance of reflecting the diversity of recovery and shared humanity in his work, ensuring people from different backgrounds and identities see themselves in his art .

Beyond music, Hernandez has embraced other forms of self-expression, including a brief stint on OnlyFans to promote his run in “Naked Boys Singing” in Las Vegas and New York. He is candid about body positivity, encouraging others to celebrate themselves and their journeys .

Hernandez’s advocacy extends to supporting transgender people and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. As national conversations around LGBTQ+ rights, particularly trans rights, intensify, Hernandez has emphasized the need for solidarity: “When one group is targeted, others usually are too. Hate is rarely limited to one group. That’s why I work to bring people together—across race, religion, gender, identity—to stand against hate in all forms. That’s how we protect each other” .

As Hernandez continues to grow as an artist and advocate, his journey exemplifies the resilience and multifaceted contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to entertainment and culture. Through his music, activism, and openness, he remains a powerful voice for visibility, recovery, and belonging.