There's nothing quite like a man, a microphone and his guitar. With Pride season in full swing all around the country, artists are coming out in droves to support the festivities. Openly gay ex-Mormon singer/songwriter/activist Justin Utley, who is big on the Pride circuit, released his sophomore album titled “Nothing This Real” at the end of 2011. Justin recently spoke with Mark’s List about the response to his new album, what Pride means to him and leaving the Mormon Church to find his own path. 

Your sophomore album dropped in November of 2011.  What has been the response so far in 2012?

It's been fantastic.  I've had a lot of positive feedback, even from a few family members who can be brutally honest. I have to say, it makes me wish the album had come out sooner, though with all the touring I was doing in the summer it would have been pretty impossible—I needed to sleep.  

How would you describe your style of music to someone who has never heard you sing?

Some rock/pop, country (but never full ho-down), contemporary, inspirational. Alternative Country Rock seems to be the genre that sticks the most. People suggest that if the latter-career Dixie Chicks went Big Love on Daughtry, and their son was raised by Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge, and Rob Thomas was the babysitter, you’d have me [laughs].

How involved are you in the creative process of making your records? Do you write your own songs?

I compose the music and lyrics myself either on the piano or the guitar.  The words and melody usually happen together—a particular mood, emotion, or passion will spark an idea.

Will you be performing at any of the Pride festivals this summer?

I would love to perform at Pride in Fort Lauderdale, but a scheduling conflict won’t allow it.  My Facebook insights tell me that I have a solid number of ‘Likes’ in or near South Florida; it would be great to have a gig down there and celebrate Pride. There is always Miami and Fort Lauderdale Pride in 2013.

What do you think makes a good Pride celebration?

Having the community come together to celebrate love and equality is first and foremost—and not just the gays; our straight allies are equally as important. Then there are our political allies who speak out in support of it all.  Then of course is the music—really good music.

Do you watch any of the reality singing shows like “American Idol” or “The Voice”? Do you think shows like that are good for the music industry?

I haven't watched ‘Idol’ for quite some time.  I had a close friend on the show, and of course the exposure is wonderful, but from what I understand you are "owned" for a number of years after being on the show. It seems to have become more of a pop-making machine than a talent competition.  As for the ‘Voice,’ it seems much more honest about the artists’ talent, and the judges are more current and relevant.  Heck, maybe I should audition [laughs].

What was it like growing up Mormon knowing you were gay?

To be honest, it was terrifying.  Growing up believing (or "knowing" depending on your point of reference) that I was in the same boat as pedophiles, bestiality or other sexual deviant categories of sin was pretty stressful. It meant I wouldn't be allowed to live with my family in the next life.  After serving my two-year Mormon mission, I enrolled in two years of the church's ex-gay therapy program, consisting of a weekly group meeting and support group in addition to one-on-one sessions with a therapist bound by church social science.  After two years I realized it didn't work.  Thank God it didn't, because I'd rather be who I am and honest with myself than pretend to be something I'm not my whole life.