Jennifer Lopez and Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda delivered the late-night debut of "Love Make the World Go Round," their tribute to the victims of the Orlando massacre, on Tuesday's Tonight Show.
Backed by the Roots and a pair of backing vocalists, Lopez crooned the track's message of hope and resiliency while wearing a massive, multi-colored cape. Miranda emerged midway through the track for a nimbly-rapped verse.
"What we got is love even when the sinners hate us/ We cannot let them diminish or intimidate us/ We sing out, we got the rhythm and the true on our side/ We cut through the divide and we do it with pride," Miranda rapped. "A generation of innovators enabled to patiently wait for change 'cause change is what they've been afraid of/ the malevolence can wait, raise a level of debate, celebrate, elevate."
Lopez and Miranda released the track July 7th via iTunes.
All proceeds benefit the Hispanic Federation's Proyecto Somos Orlando initiative, which aims to address the "long-term needs for mental health services that are culturally competent and bilingual."
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.
Proceeds from the sale of the new tribute 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,” said 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.”
“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,” commented 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.”
Sooo @JLo & yours truly went in on a tune that will benefit https://t.co/ddyoy7e5T8 here's a taste!#LMTWGR🔥 pic.twitter.com/5CPJuZsgPL
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 4, 2016
A video posted to the Orange County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page begins with a mock press conference announcing an “important announcement by Sheriff Demings.”
“We’re here for an important announcement today. I wanna keep Orlando smiling. Keep dancing, Orlando!” Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said before placing a boom box on top of the podium.
“Hit it,” Demings says, and when he presses play, the unmistakable beat for Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” starts to play.
Demings begins to dance first, sliding enthusiastically, and members of the OCSO soon follow suit.
The onlooking crowd, acting as members of the press for the video, cheer and throw up the papers they’re holding to join in on the dancing.
The #KeepDancingOrlando challenge was created to channel positive energy and honor the 49 victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub on June 12, the OCSO wrote on Facebook.
We know their names.
Stanley. Amanda. Oscar. Rodolfo. Antonio. Darryl. Angel. Juan. Luis. Cory. Tevin. Deonka. Simon. Leroy. Mercedez. Peter. Juan. Paul. Frank. Miguel. Javier. Jason. Eddie. Anthony. Drew. Alejandro. Brenda. Gilberto. Kimberly. Akyra. Luis. Geraldo. Eric. Joel. Jean. Enrique. Jean. Xavier. Christopher. Yilmary. Edward. Shane. Martin. Jonathan. Juan. Luis. Franky. Luis. Jerald.
We know where and when and how they died. And we know that every one of their stories represents someone who won’t get the chance to live out the future they deserved.
Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts are with the survivors still fighting for their lives. And to the LGBT community – in Orlando and across America – know this: I see you. I hear you. I’m with you. And I will do everything in my power to prevent future tragedies like this act of terror and hate.
That means acknowledging who was targeted in this attack. From the raids on the Stonewall Inn in New York, to the arson attack on UpStairs Lounge in New Orleans, to the detonation of a bomb at the Otherside Lounge in Atlanta – too often, places that should be safe for the LGBT community have instead been targets for violence. For all the progress we’ve made, it’s still far too dangerous to be gay in America.
LGBT people are now more likely than any other group to be the target of a hate crime. LGBT people of color face intersectional pressures and dangers. And a full 70 percent of victims of anti-LGBT murders in the United States are people of color – and the statistics are particularly striking for transgender people of color. So there’s a reason so many people seek out safe spaces.
In Orlando, that sense of security was shattered. The gunman specifically targeted the Latino LGBT community. In fact, it was “Latin Night” during Pride Month, a time that should have been a joyous celebration. When that feeling of safety comes under attack, all Americans must stand in solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters.
After the massacre, LGBT people from all over the country came forward to share how much this hit home. That’s because so many communities in America have somewhere like Pulse, where people can find a community and feel free to be themselves.
Yes, this is a time for reflection. But more importantly, this is a time for action. We need real plans to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of the LGBT community and all Americans. Here’s mine.
First, we need to take on the epidemic of gun violence in America. Prohibiting suspected terrorists from buying guns – and expanding background checks so that terrorists can’t easily avoid that prohibition – should not be controversial. We can’t legislate hate away, but we can make it less deadly. That’s why I was so proud to see Democrats staging a sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives, demanding a vote on commonsense gun reforms that the vast majority of Americans support.
Second, since we know that the gunman in Orlando was radicalized by terrorist propaganda, we need to disrupt and dismantle the global online network that groups like ISIS use to communicate and to inspire these horrible acts. As president, I’ll set up a task force to track and counter the threat of lone wolf attacks like these.
And third, let’s continue to fight for the ideal this attack intended to target: that no matter who you are, or who you love, you are equal in America. Let’s fight to enshrine that ideal in our laws—by passing the Equality Act. And let’s call out hateful rhetoric whenever and wherever we see it in our daily lives.
The attack at Pulse shook so many of us to our core. But in the weeks since, we have seen moving demonstrations of support – from the thousands of people attending vigils across the country, to the Council on American-Islamic Relations calling for donating blood, to the people and groups on the ground in Orlando who have come together to support their LGBT friends, neighbors, colleagues, and loved ones.
So know that you have allies who are looking out for you. People like Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, whose leadership and support during this crisis ought to be a model for other local leaders. And you have millions of Americans celebrating Pride Month alongside you.
I’m one of them. And I’ll never stop fighting for your right to live freely, openly, and without fear.
The attack on Pulse nightclub has tragically become a symbol of how deadly anti-LGBTQ hate can become when it is combined with easy access to military-style assault weapons. In the wake of the attack in Orlando, HRC has been joined by a wide range of civil rights leaders in speaking out against laws and politicians who foment hate against LGBTQ people. HRC has also called on Congress to establish protections for LGBTQ people in all fifty states through the Equality Act and officially adopted a resolution in support of common-sense gun violence prevention legislation that will help ensure LGBTQ people and all Americans are safe and equal in every community.
"The 49 heroes who lost their lives on June 12 were brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and neighbors, boyfriends and girlfriends, husbands and wives. They were mostly young and mostly Latinx. But above all, they were human beings who were loved, and who had hopes and dreams for long, full lives," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "It has been only a few short weeks since we lost 49 people to a deadly act of hatred. It is our responsibility to keep their memories alive and honor their legacies by ensuring our nation acts to end anti-LGBTQ hate and gun violence. We are incredibly grateful to Ryan Murphy, Ned Martel and the 49 artists who came together to create this beautiful and lasting tribute."
In the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy, Murphy asked how he could help drive awareness about the dual epidemics of anti-LGBTQ hate violence and gun violence that, together, claimed so many lives at Pulse nightclub. The result was this moving tribute, filmed over the course of three days, at FOX Studios in Los Angeles.
"The hate that stole these 49 individuals from all those who loved them has been allowed to flourish in our country for too long," said Ryan Murphy, Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, director and producer. "No person is born hating another, and we have an obligation as Americans to stand up against prejudice and bigotry that would incite violence against someone simply for who they are. I am proud to have joined with Ned Martel, my talented colleagues, and the Human Rights Campaign to honor these 49 heroes and stop the hate."
Brief vignettes recounted by leading performers and entertainment leaders tell the stories of all 49 victims (in order of appearance): Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez, 27; Stanley Almodovar III, 23; Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32; Luis Daniel Conde, 39; Juan Pablo Rivera Velazquez, 37; Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40; Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33; Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37; Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35; Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21; Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49; Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24; Franky Jimmy De Jesús Velazquez, 50; Juan Chavez-Martinez, 25; Jerald Arthur Wright, 31; Antonio Davon Brown, 29; Miguel Angel Honorato, 30; Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, 25; ‘K.J.’ Morris, 37; Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34; Frankie Hernandez, 27; Akyra Monet Murray, 18; Joel Rayon Paniagua, 31; Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24; Yilmary Rodriguez Sulivan, 24; Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25; Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25; Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26; Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22; Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33; Paul Terrell Henry, 41; Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35; Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25; Amanda Alvear, 25; Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30; Angel Luis Candelario-Padro, 28; Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31; Oscar A. Aracena-Montero, 26; Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19; Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25; Enrique L. Rios Jr., 25; Darryl Roman Burt II, 29; Cory James Connell, 21; Martin Benitez Torres, 33; Luis S. Vielma, 22; Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36; Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22; and Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32.
Their stories are told by (in order of appearance): Lady Gaga, Chris Pine, Cuba Gooding Jr., Connie Britton, Matt Bomer, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Lea Michele, Colton Haynes, Sophia Bush, Jane Fonda, Harry Shum Jr., Denis O’Hare, Rob Reiner, Melissa Benoist, Caitlyn Jenner, Edgar Ramirez, Max Greenfield, Chaz Bono, Cheyenne Jackson, Emma Roberts, Kerry Washington, George Lopez, Evan Rachel Wood, Sofía Vergara, Diego Boneta, Nina Jacobson, Demi Lovato, Tyler Oakley, Yeardley Smith, Kid Cudi, Kaitlin Olson, Kevin McHale, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lee Daniels, Chace Crawford, Evan Peters, Gerard Butler, Katey Sagal, John Stamos, Laverne Cox, Jordana Brewster, Wes Bentley, Finn Wittrock, Darren Criss, Kathy Bates, Anna Paquin, Guillermo Díaz and Joe Mantello.
The FBI has found no evidence so far to support claims by those who say Mateen had gay lovers or communicated on gay dating apps, several law enforcement officials said.
In seeking to verify the reports, federal agents have culled Mateen’s electronic devices, including a laptop computer and cellphone, as well as electronic communications of those who made the claims, law enforcement officials said.
So far, they have found no photographs, no text messages, no smartphone apps, no gay pornography and no cell-tower location data to suggest that Mateen — who was twice married to women and had a young son — conducted a secret gay life, the officials said.
With the recent tragedy of 49 innocent lives lost at the LGBT nightclub, Pulse, in Orlando, FL on June 12, 2016, the global community was left to mourn those unjustly taken by hate. As we continue to grieve in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, it is important to confront hate face-to-face and let the LGBT community and allies know they are not alone. #RestInPRIDE is one of the first call-to-action campaigns created to spread a message of love and support to people who are feeling alone or scared to live proudly.
Through sharing uplifting video messages with heart, #RestInPRIDE continues the important conversation about the victims and those affected by senseless acts of violence taking place on a daily basis. The artistic video features 49 different shared Pride memories honoring the 49 victims, including voices of various ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations and people directly affected by the Orlando tragedy. The video ends with a montage of the participants putting rainbow-style “war paint” on their faces as a symbol that action needs to be taken.
Celebrities and influencers also participated in the campaign including actress Rumer Willis, actor Wilson Cruz, Olympian and HIV/AIDS advocate Greg Louganis and transgender actress and “I Am Cait” star Candis Cayne.
A vocal track of the song “Light” from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Musical Next to Normal serves as a backdrop to the video, and was recorded by artist Brian Justin Crum. All proceeds of the track, written by Tom Kitt, will go directly to the OneOrlando Fund. “Light” can be available for purchase on iTunes.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: We ask that you please record and upload a video of your proudest memory on the @RestInPRIDE Facebook page with #RestInPRIDE utilizing rainbow “war paint”* like those in the main video, encourage others to share their moments to make their voices heard and show the Orlando community support at OneOrlando. Hear their names, see their faces, feel their stories and know the lives of our 49 brothers and sisters were not lost in vain but live on in the collective heart of our community.
“The thing that makes me want to tell the truth is that he didn’t do it for terrorism. In my opinion he did it for revenge,” a man who asked to be referred to as “Miguel” told Univision Noticias anchor Maria Elena Salinas. Miguel appeared in the interview wearing a disguise.
Miguel described the killer, Omar Mateen, as having been wracked with self-loathing about his sexual orientation, resentment against gay Latinos, and an alcohol problem. He said that he and Mateen met on the gay dating app Grindr the year before and described the two-month-long relationship as one of “friends with benefits.” It ended in December, when Miguel moved away from Orlando. He said Mateen enjoyed being cuddled and described him as “affectionate” and “sweet.”
Following an assignation with two Puerto Rican men, one of them revealed to Mateen after the fact that he was HIV positive and Mateen became incensed, Miguel said. “He was terrified that he was infected,” Miguel said. “I asked him, ‘Did you do a test?’ Yes. He went to the pharmacy and did the test … it came out negative but it doesn’t come out right away. It takes four, five months.”
“‘I’m going to make them pay for what they did to me,'” Miguel recalled Mateen telling him.
“He adored Latinos, gay Latinos, with brown skin – but he felt rejected. He felt used by them – there were moments in the Pulse nightclub that made him feel really bad. Guys used him. That really affected him,” Miguel said. “I believe this crazy horrible thing he did – that was revenge.”
The FBI confirmed to Univision that they had met with Miguel, and Miguel claimed that he had been interviewed by agents in-person three times.
Brenda Lee Marquez-McCool was dancing with her son Isaiah Henderson at Pulse nightclub when shots rang out over the blaring music.
Instead of running away, she threw herself on her son, shielding him from shooter Omar Mateen. She saved her son's life but lost her own.
At her funeral at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando today, Henderson, 21, broke down as he paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, almost unable to stand while he spoke.
"I never thought that her life would be ended right in front of my eyes," he said, sobbing. "My mother accepted everyone with open arms. She loved everybody equally, no matter what."
His brothers rushed to the pulpit to hold him up and console him.
"I haven't stopped crying since," Henderson said.
Pastor Donnie Romero of Stedfast Baptist Church in Fort Worth told his flock he agrees “100 percent” with Baptist Pastor Roger Jimenez, who made news with his sermon advocating that the government should use a firing squad to “blow their brains out.”
“These 50 sodomites are all perverts and pedophiles, and they are the scum of the earth, and the earth is a little bit better place now,” Romero said in the Sunday sermon.
“And I’ll take it a step further, because I heard on the news today, that there are still several dozen of these queers in ICU and intensive care. And I will pray to God like I did this morning, I will do it tonight, I’ll pray that God will finish the job that that man started, and he will end their life, and by tomorrow morning they will all be burning in hell, just like the rest of them, so that they don’t get any more opportunity to go out and hurt little children.”
Romero’s church has been named by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-LGBT hate group.
When I said that if, within the Orlando club, you had some people with guns, I was obviously talking about additional guards or employees— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2016
More than 500 people gathered early Sunday morning outside the Sacramento church where last week a pastor gave an inflammatory sermon praising the massacre of LGBT people in an Orlando nightclub.
Chants of “Love conquers hate” rang out when worshippers walked down the police-protected entrance to Verity Baptist church in an office park on Northgate Boulevard.
Protesters with megaphones urged peace and non-violent protest when a man with a “Gay = pervert” sign approached the police barricade to debate the crowd.
Last Sunday, after news broke of the Orlando mass shooting, the worst in U.S. history, Jimenez told his congregants that he wished the shooter had killed more people in the gay nightclub Pulse. He said God has put a death sentence on gay people.
“There’s no tragedy,” Jimenez said. “I wish the government would round them all up, put them up against a firing wall, put a firing squad in front of them, and blow their brains out.”
“The Broadway community was so terribly shaken and devastated by the horrific tragedy in Orlando. Everyone wanted to do something as quickly as possible that would truly make a difference. On Monday, my husband James woke me up at 7:30 AM and suggested we rally our friends and colleagues to do a ‘We Are the World’ type recording and raise money for the victims and their families. We started making calls and suddenly we had tons of theatre actors along with an orchestra and the services of a fully-staffed recording studio, all willing to donating their time and talent. Our community of artists has banded together as we always do to show we can end this cycle of violence and intolerance. Love WILL prevail!”
