This is a fantastic surprise of superstar proportions. In the spirit of charity, just about everybody populating the Billboard charts these days has come together to sing to us, to sing to you, to sing for peace.
GLAAD and Interscope Records today released “Hands,” a musical tribute to the victims of Orlando, featuring 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.
“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 in a statement. “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 tribute will be made available globally at iTunes exclusively. Proceeds from the sale of the new tribute single will benefit Equality Florida, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida, and GLAAD.
“The horrific attack on the LGBT community in Orlando has left us devastated, but not defeated,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “As we continue to mourn the crushing loss of 49 Americans 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.”
“Hands” was written by Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, and Blood Pop; produced by Blood Pop, Mark Ronson, and Justin Tranter.
“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.”
GLAAD is on the ground in Orlando, working to support the work of local LGBT advocates and organizations, including Equality Florida. GLAAD has also been working with local, national, and international media outlets on the ground in Orlando to shine light on the disproportionate rates of violence LGBT people face, especially LGBT people of color.
“Hands” is available now for digital download via iTunes.
(Photo credit Josh Separzadeh; Hands are beautifully trans)