In Halifax, about a thousand people stood on the grass in front of Citadel High School on the Halifax Commons to honour the 49 victims of the mass shooting in a gay Orlando nightclub early Sunday. Many attendees said the attack has brought up memories of moments when they experienced discrimination because of their sexual preference.

"As queer people we feel that danger everyday, in one way or another, in small ways," said Andria Wilson.

"And when you see something at this level, it makes you think of all of those small things."

The event organized by Halifax Pride, included an aboriginal chant and sweet grass burning ceremony, a performance by a lesbian choir, music by blues artist Charlie A'Court, and poetry by Halifax's poet laureate, Rebecca Thomas.

The Halifax vigil attracted about 1000 people Monday night (Stephanie vanKampen/CBC News)

Kelsey Butt, also attended the vigil and said she feels safe being open about her sexuality in Halifax but, "It's always in the back of your mind," she said.

"It was their safe space, Butt told CBC. "Like here, we have our safe space, and we need those places."

Willem Blois, head of Halifax Pride, echoed that idea.

"When things like this happen, it really knocks you off your feet, takes the ground out from underneath you, and makes you realize, well am I actually safe?" Blois said.

Rebecca Rose, with the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, spoke during the vigil. She warned the crowd not to respond to the tragedy with hatred.

"We will not stand for the tragedy being co-opted to spread hate against Muslim and Arab people on our behalf," she said. "We will not stand for that."