Justin Utley, an OutMusic Award-winning singer and songwriter, has released a new single called "Survivors." His third studio album, Scars, will follow soon. The song touches on an issue close to Utley, who lived through two years of conversion therapy and is now an outspoken opponent of the practice. While the lyrics were originally written by Swedish songwriting duo Ylva & Linda, Utley developed them further to include more personal elements.
"Survivors" is Utley's latest step in a journey that began with "Stand for Something," a single released in June 2010 as a rallying cry for marriage equality in America. The song was nominated by the LGBT Academy of Recording Arts for four OutMusic Awards and won Best Country/Folk Song of the Year.
When he's not working on music, Utley speaks at universities on the intersection of faith and the LGBTQ community, as he was raised in the Mormon Church but has since left. He is a two-time recipient of the FBI's Inspiring Citizen of the Year award and and has been named Artist of the Year by SiriusXM's OutQ Radio. Utley's pop anthems aim to provide encouragement and uplift those who have overcome intense struggles and adversity.
Check out the video for "Survivors" below.
