Thunderclouds loom near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa, signaling the upcoming unveiling of a new national 2SLGBTQ+ monument, Thunderhead. This monument stands as a nine-meter tall white column adorned with cloud-shaped openings, creating a unique and celebratory atmosphere.
Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, described the monument’s design, highlighting its inverted cloud formations within the pillar and the mirrored tiles that give it a vibrant disco ball effect. Situated close to Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, Thunderhead serves as a symbol of acknowledgment and remembrance for the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals nationwide, particularly during the prolonged Canadian government-led campaign known as the LGBT purge.
The monument’s concept was brought to life by a Winnipeg-based team led by architect Liz Wreford, who emphasized the thundercloud motif as a representation of both destruction and renewal. The column’s skylight and openings allow sunlight to illuminate the mirrored interior, creating a dynamic play of colors reminiscent of a thunderstorm’s lightning flashes.
Adjacent to the monument, a park was designed to shed light on Canada’s history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination. The park features an interpretive wall detailing this history, including the persecution of two-spirit individuals by the government. Additionally, a healing circle, comprising thirteen stones selected by two-spirit elders from each province and territory, enhances the site’s significance as a space for reflection and healing.
Michelle Douglas, executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, shared her perspective on the park as a beacon of hope, inviting visitors to engage with their personal experiences and emotions. The park is envisioned as a living monument, bridging the past and the future by acknowledging past injustices while fostering a sense of optimism and progress.
Completing the site’s offerings are a stage and various gathering spaces for performances and events, providing a platform for celebration and advocacy. Todd Ross envisions the monument and park as versatile spaces for both joyous occasions and demonstrations, emphasizing their role in uniting the community during challenging times.
The official opening ceremony of Thunderhead will be graced by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, with the Capital Pride 2026 festival commencing the following day and running until August 30th.