Thunderclouds are forming near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa, but instead of rain and lightning, these clouds symbolize celebration and reflection for a new national monument dedicated to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Named Thunderhead, the monument stands tall as a nine-meter white column adorned with rounded cloud-shaped openings. According to Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, the pillar contains inverted clouds and is lined with mirrored tiles to provide a disco ball-like experience.
Situated close to Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, Thunderhead serves as a poignant reminder of the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across Canada, particularly during the Canadian government’s prolonged LGBT purge campaign from the 1950s to the mid-1990s. This campaign saw thousands of individuals expelled from the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and federal public service due to their sexual orientation.
Designed by a Winnipeg-based team led by Liz Wreford of Architects Public City, Thunderhead symbolizes both destruction and renewal through its representation of thunderclouds. The column’s skylight and openings allow sunlight to create a kaleidoscope effect within its mirrored interior, mimicking the lightning flashes of a thunderstorm.
The surrounding park complements the monument by shedding light on Canada’s history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination. It features an interpretive wall detailing the persecution faced by two-spirit individuals, along with a healing circle comprising stones hand-picked by two-spirit elders from each province and territory.
Michelle Douglas, executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, views the park as a beacon of hope, offering visitors a space for personal reflection and emotional experiences. The site aims to serve as a living monument, acknowledging past discrimination while looking towards a more inclusive future.
In addition to providing a stage and gathering spaces, Thunderhead and its park are envisioned by Ross as venues for both celebration and protest. The official opening ceremony, to be attended by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, will mark the beginning of Capital Pride 2026, running until August 30.