Thunderclouds are gathering near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa, not for a storm, but to mark the establishment of a new national monument celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Known as Thunderhead, the monument stands as a tall white column with cloud-shaped openings. Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, described it as a unique structure lined with mirrored tiles, giving it a disco ball effect.

Located close to Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, Thunderhead symbolizes the hardships faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada, particularly during the government’s historical LGBT purge campaign. This initiative, spanning from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, saw thousands of individuals expelled from various sectors due to their sexuality.

Ross, a victim of this discrimination himself, was discharged from the navy in 1990 because of his sexual orientation. He later participated in a lawsuit against the government, with the proceeds contributing to the funding of the monument’s creation.

Designed by a team led by Liz Wreford of Architects Public City, Thunderhead represents the duality of destruction and renewal, with thundercloud imagery serving as a metaphor for this concept. The monument’s skylight and reflective interior create a colorful kaleidoscope effect, mimicking the lightning flashes of a storm.

Surrounding the monument is a park designed to shed light on Canada’s history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination. It features an interpretive wall detailing the community’s struggles and a healing circle composed of stones selected by two-spirit elders from each province and territory.

The park aims to be a space for reflection and celebration, offering visitors an opportunity to connect with their own experiences. Michelle Douglas, executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, emphasized the park’s significance as a beacon of hope, echoing the sentiments of a living monument that acknowledges past discrimination while looking toward a more inclusive future.

With additional spaces for performances and gatherings, the site hopes to serve as a platform for various events, including celebrations and protests. The official opening ceremony will be attended by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, coinciding with the start of Capital Pride 2026, which will run until August 30.