Thunderclouds are forming near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa, signaling the imminent arrival of a new national monument dedicated to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Instead of rain and thunder, these clouds symbolize a blend of celebration and introspection.
Named Thunderhead, the monument stands tall as a nine-meter white column adorned with cloud-shaped openings. Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, described it as a unique structure featuring inverted clouds within the pillar. To enhance its allure, the monument’s interior is lined with mirrored tiles, creating an immersive experience akin to being inside a giant disco ball.
Located close to the intersection of Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, Thunderhead serves as a poignant reminder of the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals nationwide. It specifically acknowledges the hardships endured during the Canadian government’s extensive purging campaign targeting the community.
From the 1950s to the mid-1990s, thousands of individuals were investigated and expelled from various sectors, including the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and federal public service, solely based on their sexuality. Ross, a former member of the Canadian navy, was honorably discharged in 1990 due to his homosexuality. Subsequently, he joined a class-action lawsuit against the government, with the proceeds contributing to the funding of the monument.
Designed by a team from Winnipeg led by Liz Wreford of Architects Public City, Thunderhead symbolizes destruction and renewal through the metaphor of thunderclouds. The monument’s architecture allows sunlight to illuminate the mirrored interior, creating a vibrant display of colors akin to a kaleidoscope. Internal flickering lights further mimic the lightning flashes in a thunderstorm.
The surrounding park complements the monument by shedding light on the history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in Canada. An interpretive wall chronicles the community’s struggles, including the persecution of two-spirit individuals by the government. Additionally, a healing circle, consisting of stones selected by two-spirit elders from each province and territory, offers a space for reflection and unity.
Michelle Douglas, Executive Director of the LGBT Purge Fund, envisions the park as a place for diverse experiences and emotions, serving as a beacon of hope for visitors. Reflecting on her own past discharge from the Armed Forces in 1989 and subsequent legal battle against the government, Douglas sees the monument as a testament to resilience and progress.
Emphasizing the site’s role as a living monument, Wreford highlights the importance of acknowledging past discrimination while embracing a hopeful future. The park also features a stage and various gathering spaces for performances and community events, underscoring its significance as a versatile and inclusive hub.
Todd Ross anticipates that Thunderhead and its surrounding park will serve as a platform for both celebration and advocacy. He envisions the site as a place where people can gather during challenging times and express themselves freely. The official opening ceremony, to be attended by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, is scheduled for Friday, coinciding with the start of Capital Pride 2026, running until August 30.