Generations of 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada have been abused, excluded and criminalized because of who they are, who they love and how they express and identify themselves.
The Thunderhead monument recognizes this historic discrimination, 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.
About
A thunderhead is a dynamic cloud of unstoppable energy.
This monument reflects the strength, activism and hope of queer communities. In Anishinabe teachings, thunderclouds are home to the Thunderers whose storms renew the land and make things right. In this landscaped park, a massive column is being broken apart by a thunderhead cloud inside, just as 2SLGBTQI+ communities have risen up to break barriers and demand justice and equality.
Journeys
Discover themes from our communities’ struggles and triumphs.
Share your EXPERIENCE
This monument is alive with stories — past, present and future.
ORIGINS
This historic monument emerged through relentless determination and the efforts of thousands.
From its vision to its design to its words, 2SLGBTQI+ people and allies from across Canada contributed to this soaring monument. The project was developed by the LGBT Purge Fund in collaboration with Canadian Heritage and the National Capital Commission and designed by an all-Canadian team led by Public City Architecture.
Thunderhead was realized through the invaluable contributions of an Indigenous Circle, a Monument Advisory Committee and an Education and Interpretation Committee. The Monument was funded entirely with proceeds from a 2018 class action settlement won against the Government of Canada.
