Archuleta said his attraction to men was not something he could dismiss as a passing crush, warning that it would eventually “spiral” and “crash and burn” if he continued to ignore it. Rather than suppressing what he was feeling, he said the realization pushed him toward honesty, first with himself and then with the people around him. That decision, he explained, became a turning point that allowed him to move forward with greater confidence and authenticity.
He recalled caring deeply for the women he dated, describing them as “wonderful” and “beautiful,” but said he ultimately had to confront the truth of who he was. For Archuleta, that meant acknowledging that being honest was the only way to avoid hurting others and himself. He said the process of coming out brought a sense of freedom, even though it required difficult conversations and personal reflection.
Now, Archuleta is using his experience to encourage broader openness around sexual health, identity and HIV prevention. He said he hopes to help others feel less intimidated by conversations that can often seem uncomfortable, especially for people raised in environments where topics such as sexuality, STI testing and HIV prevention were rarely discussed. He wants his own story to show that learning about these subjects does not have to be frightening and that taking control of one’s health can begin with simple, honest information.
Archuleta also said he wishes he had seen more people openly discussing these issues when he was younger. In particular, he pointed to the value of prevention tools such as PrEP, the medication used to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. He said having visible examples of people speaking candidly about sexual health could have made a major difference in his own understanding and comfort level. Instead of feeling afraid or uncertain, he believes young people should be able to see that these conversations are normal, practical and important.
By sharing his journey, Archuleta hopes to reach people who may feel isolated or anxious about their own identity or health decisions. He said he wants to demonstrate that being honest about sexuality and seeking testing or prevention resources should not be viewed as shameful or overwhelming. His message is aimed especially at those who were raised to avoid such topics and may still carry fear or misinformation into adulthood.
Archuleta’s reflections highlight a broader effort to reduce stigma around sexual health and encourage more open dialogue about HIV prevention. Through his personal story, he is trying to show that honesty can lead to relief, self-acceptance and better health choices, and that no one should feel alone in navigating these conversations.
