“I am feeling saddened, disturbed and somewhat anxious about the targeting and massacre of my brothers and sisters in Orlando, Florida,” the woman, who did not wish to be named, told Fairfax Media.

“Whilst we debate whether it was terrorism or hate, what's really clear, is that this disturbed individual was motivated to choose his victims because of homophobia.”

The woman said she was increasingly disturbed by comments from some sections of religious groups within Australia.

“Homophobia exists on a spectrum,” she said.

“This event may be at the extreme end, and have links with terrorism, but in the context of the hate speech coming endlessly from (some quarters), and knowing the upcoming plebiscite it will escalate, I am truly frightened.

“I only hope that this event causes those who wish to judge us to choose their words carefully, because righteous and religious judgements can have fatal consequences anywhere.”