Derek Webb’s new album offers songs for LGBTQ solidarity
Survival Songs champions queer lives—and challenges the silence of faith communities.
Derek Webb has been writing music for three decades, both as a solo artist and, in his early days, with the acclaimed Christian band Caedmon’s Call. He also has deep, personal connections to the LGBTQ community through friends and family. His new album, Survival Songs, was inspired by watching their struggles in an era of prolific Christian nationalist, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation.
As an intersex, transgender pastor, I was intrigued by the album’s effort to highlight a narrative of compassion and acceptance of queer, and specifically transgender, people. Webb says he wants these songs to make us feel less alone.
Webb pulls no punches in these songs. He blatantly and unapologetically names the experiences and fears of the queer community in 2025. I found a few moments a bit jarring, though I can’t help but think that’s the point. For example, in the song “Stay Safe,” he sings, Stay safe out in the open / I want you free, but I need you alive.”
