GLAAD, musicians release ‘a song for Orlando’

GLAAD and Interscope Records have released “Hands,” a musical tribute to the victims of Orlando. The tune features Mary J Blige, Jason Derulo, Tyler Glenn, Selena Gomez, Halsey, Ty Herndon, Imagine Dragons, Juanes, Adam Lambert, Mary Lambert, Jennifer Lopez, the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Kacey Musgraves, MNEK, Alex Newell, P!nk, Prince Royce, Nate Ruess, RuPaul, Troye Sivan, Jussie Smollett, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and Meghan Trainor.

Proceeds from the sale of the single in the United States will benefit Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.

“Orlando’s broken hearts have been lifted by the outpouring of love and support from people near and far,” said Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith. “There has been beauty in the midst of our grief and we are grateful to these talented artists, producers, and GLAAD for helping us mourn and laugh and cry and sing together.”

“The horrific attack on the LGBT community in Orlando has left us devastated, but not defeated,” added GLAAD president & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “As we continue to mourn the crushing loss of 49 Americans, the majority of whom were Latino and whose lives were lost to hate, we stand resolved in paying tribute to their memory, supporting the victims and families, and working together to achieve full acceptance once and for all.”

Additional comment from others involved:

“This senseless tragedy is a call to all of us to stand together and face down hatred, intolerance and violence … and having grown up a short drive from Orlando, it really brings it right to my doorstep,”said John Janick, chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M.  “We all know music has the power to heal, and I’m honored and grateful to be a part of whatever our business can do to help.”

“The second I heard about this horrible tragedy where so many of my LGBTQ brothers and sisters lost their lives, I immediately got on a plane to Orlando to volunteer my help anyway I could,” said “Hands” writer and producer Justin Tranter. “Putting this charity single together is just a way for me, and everyone involved to keep volunteering our help and promote peace and love in the world.”

“Hands” was written by Warner Chappell writers Tranter and Julia Michaels and BloodPop; produced by BloodPop, Mark Ronson and Tranter.

On the Web

“Hands” is available now for digital download via iTunes HERE.