A queer, Muslim musician from Toronto says her band's cross-Canada tour is taking on new meaning following this weekend's mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.

Rosina Kazi of the band Lal has long advocated for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the importance of safe spaces.

Kazi says as a queer, Muslim woman, the ISIS-inspired, shooting rampage at a gay nightclub in Orlando is resonating on a level she's still processing.

"For those two things to connect is really, its scary almost," she said. "It frightens me because I'm afraid of the backlash against Muslim folks but also queer folks, queer folks of colour."

Kazi's band Lal is touring Canada with their album aptly named "Find Safety", promoting safe spaces for those who are marginalized.

"We've been searching for safety probably our whole lives," she said. "I think black communities, Indigenous communities, trans and queer communities have been experiencing violence in this country for a long time," Kazi said.

In the wake of Sunday's attack in Orlando the tour is especially poignant. It underscores the importance of creating safe spaces and it highlights the vulnerability of these communities.

Image | Lal

Caption: Nicholas Murray and Rosina Kazi of the band Lal are touring Canada with their new album Find Safety. (Kevin Jones)

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Speaking to CBC News Tuesday, Kazi admitted it was the first-time she acknowledged she is both queer and Muslim to the broader public. She said it makes her feel vulnerable as she continues to tour but she felt speaking out was important.

"I feel like I need to start talking about those parts of myself in order to create change in attitude around what it means to be queer and Muslim," she said, everyone deserves the right to live freely and happily without being afraid.

Kazi and the band hope the Orlando tragedy strengthens community, challenges ignorance and continues the dialogue around Islamaphobia and homophobia.

"I hope people start thinking about what these things mean and the impact that has on people's lives," Kazi said.

"I hope that Muslim families, if they do have queer children or queer people in their families, that they will start to embrace them, and talk to them and not shut them out because many of us of colour get exed out of our families."

Kazi said now is the time to embrace each other.

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