Construction has officially begun on a national monument in Ottawa to honor the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This monumental project, known as "Thunderhead," is a symbol of the nation's commitment to recognizing the discrimination faced by generations of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across the country. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on May 1, 2024, was attended by representatives from the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, the federal government, and members of the LGBT Purge Fund, reflecting the broad support for this initiative.
The monument, located near the Supreme Court of Canada at the intersection of Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, close to the Ottawa River, is intended to commemorate the historic discrimination faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including the colonial roots of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. It also pays tribute to the resilience of all queer and trans communities, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the change still needed in Canada.
The design of the monument centers around a sculpture shaped like a thunderhead cloud, symbolizing strength, activism, and hope. The $13 million project, funded by the LGBT Purge Fund, is expected to be unveiled in the summer of 2025, marking a significant moment for the community and the nation as a whole.
The LGBT Purge refers to a period between the 1950s and mid-1990s when thousands of members of the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and the federal public service were discriminated against and often fired from their jobs due to their sexuality. This dark chapter in Canadian history propelled survivors to fight for their rights and paved the way for the creation of this monument.
The monument represents not only a tribute to the past but also a vision for the future, a future where discrimination is eradicated, and inclusivity reigns. As Canada continues its journey towards equality and acceptance, this monument stands as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work yet to be done.
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