At the end of August, the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument opened in downtown Ottawa.
Called Thunderhead, the monument recognizes historic discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada, including the colonial roots of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and the cruelty of the Canadian government during the LGBT Purge. It celebrates the resilience of all queer and trans communities and serves to inspire the change still needed in Canada.
It is, without a doubt, the queerest monument in the world. Designed by a team led by Public City Architecture, the monument includes a massive column being blown apart from inside by mirror-clad disco balls.
The monument was funded completely through a class action lawsuit won by LGBT Purge survivors against the federal government. Thunderhead is truly of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The vision, design and words were shaped by countless hearts and minds through extensive engagement. Though no public funds were allocated to the project, Canadian Heritage and the National Capital Commission partnered with the LGBT Purge Fund to deliver the monument for all Canadians.
Thunderhead has been warmly welcomed into Ottawa’s urban landscape and become a place that people have made their own. From bike tours to picnics, intergenerational visits to solo reflective pilgrimages, we are heartened to see everyone lovingly adopt this space in personal ways and with so much pride.
We have been thrilled to see everyone’s photos on Instagram and have been overwhelmed by the touching comments received via Thunderhead’s interactive website and directly by email.
If you haven’t had the chance, Thunderhead is open – forever and for always and for all the tears, celebrations, protests and stories to come. Learn more on the Thunderhead website.