Tag: Pulse Nightclub

Posted on

Pulse Nightclub Shooting Survivors Say “Thank You”

The survivors of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando have released this video to say “thank you” for the incredible outpouring of support from around the world in the aftermath of the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States.

In addition to the messages and prayers sent their way, over $9 million has been raised via Equality Florida to help pay for the medical and psychological needs of the survivors and their families.

Those funds will begin to be distributed tomorrow.

From LGBTQ Nation:

The money raised by more than 120,000 donors from over 120 countries will be distributed starting Tuesday, said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. She noted 100 percent of the “funds will go to the survivors of those killed and those who were victims, whether they were physically injured or emotionally traumatized,” Smith tells LGBTQ Nation in an email.

Smith said her organization isn’t keeping any money for overhead or fees and that even the interest earned on the funds in the bank will be donated. Equality Florida is also absorbing more than $150,000 in staff time and management of the fundraising campaign.

“Checks are being cut directly to victims to spend according to their own needs which will vary a great deal. We know people lost income, some lost their jobs. Those with serious physical injuries will need to modify their homes and prepare for long-term care. All will need help dealing with the trauma. The decision on how best to spend it is entirely up to each person.”

“Equality Florida made two promises in the aftermath of Pulse,” Smith said in a statement. “The first was to do everything we could to take care of the survivors and the families left behind by this heinous act of hate. Today we’ve kept that first promise. Now our attention must focus entirely on fulfilling the second promise – to honor our dead with action.”

In addition to the video, Equality Florida has launched a new campaign, the Honor Them With Action fund, to ensure public work on behalf of the LGBTQ community and to reduce gun violence continues.

Posted on

Broadway At DNC2016 “What The World Needs Now”

One of the highlights of yesterday’s Democratic National Convention coverage was seeing lots and lots of folks from Broadway stand center stage to sing “What the World Needs Now” to close a segment highlighting gun violence in America.

The song was recorded last month and shared via video in the aftermath of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting which left 49 dead and dozens more seriously injured.

I’m so proud to call so many of these talented folks my friends 🙂

Check out the live performance from Philly featuring Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, Darren Criss, Alice Ripley, Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless, Roz Ryan, Ben Vereen, Kristin Bell, Darren Criss, Stephanie J. Block, Adrienne Warren, Len Cariou, Richard Kind, Tom Wopat, Wilson Cruz, Michael Longoria, Rosie Perez, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Nicholas Callaway Foster, Olga Merediz, Michelle Collins, Jon Viktor Corpuz, Mary Ann Hu, Anika Larsen, Margaret Stallings, Eve Plumb, Montego Glover, Michael Urie, Carmen Cusak, Darius de Haas, Melissa Errico, and Janet Metz.

Posted on

JLo & Lin-Manuel Miranda Debut “Love Make The World Go Round” Tribute To Orlando Shooting Victims

Via Rolling Stone:

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.”