Julie Proctor, who was a founding member of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Support Group in the central west, and member Bradley Tyack, believe the mass shooting's impact was profound.

"I feel the mass killing in Orlando touches us all," said Mr Tyack.

"Even though people say they accept gays, their actions don't always reflect that and GLBT people still have to conform to a different set of standards to fit in and feel safe within the general public."

Ms Proctor said every person who comes out faces the risk of a more difficult life.

"A risk they will be rejected by family, friends or work colleagues, a risk they will face discrimination because of who they are, and a risk they may suffer exclusion, misunderstanding or worse still - violence," she said.

Ms Proctor said the Orlando shooting was about hate and homophobia.

"Each of us has experienced discrimination, direct homophobia and in many cases, hate," she said.

Mr Tyack said bullying often affects a gay person's behaviour.

"We often can't truly be ourselves in public for fear of what people might say or do," he said.

"I'm not saying things haven't changed over the years, but there is still a long way for mainstream society to go, even among people who call themselves our supporters."

As soon as news of the shooting in Orlando broke, Ms Proctor said members of the gay community began contacting her.

"My news feed was absolutely full of so many people expressing their shock and dismay," she said.

Mr Tyack said around 20 per cent of the population make life harder for gay people through their prejudice.

"Some of the things people have been saying on social media in relation to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting are just terrible," Mr Tyack said.

"I agree with Brad as the suicide rate for GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) people is seven to 14 times higher than the national average depending on location," Ms Proctor said.

For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex support phone QLife on 1800 184 527.