Canada has unveiled a national monument in its capital city that celebrates LGBTQIA+ people, which is also a memorial for the victims of past Canadian government policies that persecuted the community.
“Thunderhead, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument” is a nine metre tall white and silver concrete tower in Ottawa with thousands of mirrored tiles decorating its interior, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
The monument’s design is meant to evoke a Cumulonimbus cloud, also known as a thunderhead, which holds a special meaning for Canada’s Anishinaabe First Nations people who view them as symbols of energy and renewal.
Making things right
Canada’s capital Ottawa is located on the lands of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, and according to Anishinaabe teaching, thunderclouds are home to the Thunderers, spiritual beings who create storms to renew the land and make things right.
“[The] massive column is broken apart from within by a thunderhead cloud, representing the strength and determination of 2SLGBTQI+ communities to break through barriers and seek justice and equality,” a Canadian Government statement explains.
“Thousands of mirrored tiles inside the sculpture reflect the diversity of these communities and hold the memory of lives lost too soon.
“A sugar maple honours those who served Canada, while a healing circle and medicinal garden recognise Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer experiences. A fruit orchard reclaims language once used to oppress 2SLGBTQI+ people and instead celebrates community, beauty and joy.”
An artists impression of the monument at night. Image: Thunderhead Monument FacebookCanada’s “LGBT Purge”
Funding for the monument came about as part of a class action lawsuit by LGBTQIA+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canada’s federal public service who were sacked or persecuted in other ways between the 1950s and 1990s – a period which has become known as the “LGBT Purge” in Canada.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in Canada in 1969 but was still classed as a mental illness until 1973 and LGBTQIA+ people were considered a security risk in many forms of government employment until 1992.
In November of 2017 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered an official government apology to the LGBTQIA+ community for those past discriminatory policies.
The following year Canada passed an official Act of Parliament allowing people who had been convicted under past discriminatory laws to have their convictions expunged.
Thunderhead unveiled
Former Prime Minister Trudeau, Canadian Governor General Louise Arbour, and Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez were among those who attended the August 21 unveiling ceremony.
“Today marked the opening of Thunderhead, a national monument honouring LGBT Purge survivors and the history, resilience, and contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities,” Valdez said, following the unveiling.
“Thank you to the survivors, Two-Spirit Elders, Indigenous partners, artists, advocates, and community members who brought this space to life.
“May Thunderhead remind us of how far we’ve come and inspire us to keep building a Canada where everyone can live safely and love who they love.”
Mark Carney marks the occasion
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was unable to attend but marked the milestone with a statement on social media.
“Thunderhead stands as a tribute to the lives, stories, and contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ people across Canada,” Carney wrote on Facebook.
“It’s reminder of the discrimination too many endured — and honours those who fought to build a country where everyone can live freely, safely, and with dignity.”
“Two-Spirit” (2S) is a traditional Indigenous North American concept that encompasses same-sex attracted and gender diverse identities which were celebrated in many pre-colonial First Nations societies.
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