Superstars Get Together for Single to Benefit Orlando Victims Fund

This country has a sort of tradition of reacting to tragedy or urgent causes with ensemble songs. “Hands,” released at midnight, is a reaction to the Orlando shooting by 24 artists and groups, who have come together to raise money for the Pulse victims.

The impressive list includes allies with huge LGBT fan bases, such as Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani. And it includes a number of LGBT performers such as Tyler Glenn, Halsey, Adam Lambert, Mary Lambert, Troye Sivan, Alex Newell, and actor Jussie Smollett. The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and RuPaul are on the single. And the list of Interscope artists goes on, including Jason Derulo, Selena Gomez, Ty Herndon, Imagine Dragons, Juanes, Kacey Musgraves, MNEK, P!nk, Prince Royce, Nate Ruess, and Meghan Trainor.

"Orlando's broken hearts have been lifted by the outpouring of love and support from people near and far,” said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida, which started the victims fund. The fund has raised nearly $7 million in contributions so far on GoFundMe.

GLAAD helped pull it all together. And a description on iTunes says each sale sends 43 cents each to Equality Florida, GLAAD, and the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida.

The song itself is written by Justin Tranter, the out hit-maker, who said he got on a plane to Orlando as soon as he heard about the tragedy.

“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,” said Tranter.

Listen to the single below, or buy it now on iTunes.