Thunderclouds are gathering near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa, but they are not foreboding storms. These clouds symbolize celebration and reflection as part of a new national monument dedicated to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Known as Thunderhead, the monument stands as a towering nine-meter white column adorned with cloud-shaped openings. Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, described the interior of the monument as inverted clouds within the pillar, embellished with mirrored tiles to create a disco ball effect.
Situated close to Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, Thunderhead aims to acknowledge the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across Canada, particularly during the extensive government campaign known as the LGBT purge that spanned several decades.
The monument’s design, led by a team based in Winnipeg and spearheaded by Liz Wreford of Architects Public City, uses thunderclouds as a metaphor for both destruction and renewal. The column’s skylight and openings allow sunlight to illuminate the mirrored interior, producing a kaleidoscope of colors reminiscent of lightning in a thunderstorm.
Surrounding the monument is a park designed to shed light on the history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in Canada. The park features an interpretive wall detailing the persecution of two-spirit people by the government and includes a healing circle composed of thirteen 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 place for reflection and celebration, describing it as “a real beacon of hope.” The site is intended to serve as a living monument, acknowledging past discrimination while looking towards a more inclusive future.
The park also includes spaces for performances and gatherings, with Todd Ross envisioning the monument and park as versatile spaces for both celebration and protest. The official opening ceremony of Thunderhead will be attended by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, with Capital Pride 2026 set to commence the following day and run until August 30.
