Saskatchewan writer Zarqa Nawaz attends Orlando vigil in New York

Zarqa Nawaz was a little worried about her safety as a Muslim womanheading out on a New Yorksubwaytoa large vigil. However, she came back feeling like she was embraced by the people of New York.

"It was incredible," said Nawaz. "I don't think I've ever had an experience like that before in my life."

Nawazis in New York as part of a tour for her bookLaughingAll the Way to the Mosque.On Monday night, she joined acrowd ofthousands of people indowntownNew York to honour the49 peoplewho died whena U.S.-born Muslim man shot 49 people in an Orlandogay bar.

Nawaz told CBC Radio'sThe Morning Edition thatshe went to the vigil with a friendto show hersupport for theLGBTcommunity. It was important for themto attendasvisibleMuslims.

Nawaz admits it is a scary time to be a Muslim traveling in the States, given the backlash by some after the mass shooting, but she said she actually feltmore protected at the vigil than before.

"It's a strange feeling," said Nawaz.

At the vigil,speakers addressed the crowd in front of one of the city's historic gay bars.Nawaz saidpeople let herand her friend wiggletheir way to the front to hear thespeakers.

"People were looking at us and thanking us for coming and wishing us 'EidMubarak'and a 'good Ramadan.'"

Nawaz saidthere was a feeling of solidarity as well.

"I've always feltthat the LGBT community has stood shoulder to shoulder with Muslims when it comes to combating Islamophobia."

Nawaz saidthat she hopes that in the aftermath of this tragedy, there will be the opportunity for further cooperation between Muslims and the LGBT communitylike she saw in New York.