THEY in the dark wet air for lesbians, gays, bi-sexual and transgender people. They stood for the disabled. They stood for those discriminated against by race.

Those who turned out for a Vigil for Orlando at Cotton Tree last night were not just there in solemn rembrance of the 50 victims killed by a gunman in a gay nightclub in Florida, but in a show of strength and support for all minority groups who are marginalised and persecuted.

An Anglican priest, an author, and representatives of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gay, and Amnesty International were scheduled to speak at the vigil, one of a series held around Queensland.

Sunshine Coast Pride committee chairman Fiona Anderson said that although Orlando was a long way from the Sunshine Coast, the Orlando massacre had "hit home".

Ms Anderson said the vigil was to say "we support and we feel" for the victims in Orlando but to show solidarity with others who felt isolated or at risk.

"The terrorism that has happened has happened to many other minorities and many other communities around the world - we want to make a stand for nor just our community but all the others," she said.

She urged people not to let the weekend's events get on top of them.

"At the end of the day, we have to remember that we're here and we can still fight the good fight and it will get better," she said.