Construction has commenced on a national monument in downtown Ottawa, honoring the 2SLGBTQ+ community and recognizing the historic discrimination they faced in Canada. Named Thunderhead, the monument’s groundbreaking ceremony saw the participation of survivors from Canada’s LGBT purge, Indigenous elders, and political leaders. The event took place near the Ottawa River by Portage Bridge and Wellington Street.
The LGBT purge, a dark chapter from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, involved discrimination against members of the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and federal public service based on their sexuality. Michelle Douglas, a victim of the purge and now the executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, described the monument as an emotional and powerful tribute to those challenging times and a beacon of hope for future generations.
The monument, funded by the LGBT Purge Fund at a cost of $13 million, is expected to be a place of reflection for all, not just the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is designed to embody strength, activism, and hope, and will include a stage for performances, recognizing the contributions and resilience of the community. The unveiling is scheduled for the summer of 2025.