Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 513

I mean, being plucked
from obscurity and
catapulted in front of
35 million people at the
age of 24 is no easy feat.
It’s not that I didn’t want
fame, I just didn’t know
what it all entailed or the
toll it would take.
Was there no one on
set to help guide you
and the other American
Idols?
DH: There’s really no
rulebook for this sort of
situation and the days
and nights were long
and most of the
time, we didn’t get
much sleep. If you
watch the show
now, you can see
how much of a toll
it takes on some
of the kids. Some
break down, others
leave the show. It’s
not a normal thing
to be scrutinized in
front of the world.
Looking back, I’m
really proud of
myself for being
able to get through
and come out on
the other side.
You were outed on the
show.
DH: Another traumatic
event.
Have you forgiven the
tabloids?
DH: Oh god, yes.
Holding on to that stuff
would only hold me
back. I let go of it a
long time ago because
at the end of the day, I
get that the media had
a job to do. They battle
to get out the most
provocative stories and
at the time, and my story
was it. Do I wish that I
would’ve been
able to come
out on my own
terms? Yes.
Do I wish that
people didn’t
make such a
big deal out
of me being a
stripper? Yes.
I’d like to think
that my story
in some way
helped future
generations.
I see openly
gay people
and strippers
auditioning for
American Idol
and The Voice
and they’re
not hiding
anything
anymore. I
think that’s
incredible.
What have you found
to help your mental
illness?
DH: I think what helps
my anxiety is being
able to say no… to
people, events, and
organizations. Not
every environment is
conducive to my wellbeing
and sometimes I
need to pass on things. I
also love my alone time.
I think it’s important to
self-reflect and have
honest conversations
with yourself, without
all of the noise. But I do
think the most important
thing is therapy. I’m
not saying it’s a cure,
but it helps to get in
touch with your feelings
and work out the past
garbage that may
be responsible for your
current behaviors. Often,
when you talk a problem
out, the answer spills
from your mouth.
What is your message
to others who are
struggling?
DH: Seek therapy, talk
to somebody, reach out.
Be vulnerable and let
people know how you
feel because it’s the key
to connectivity. It’s very
possible someone close
to you is going through
something similar or has
already gone through it
and has a healthy way
of healing that they can
share with you. Lastly,
do your best to love
and forgive yourself. We
only get one shot at this
thing called life, so let’s
make the most of it.
Visit: www.OfficialDavidHernandez.com.
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@ DHernandezMusic