A new monument named Thunderhead has been unveiled in Ottawa, shedding light on the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in Canada’s past. The monument features a cylindrical shell broken open by a thundercloud, with thousands of tiny mirrors inside that sparkle with light when revealed. Wayne Davis, a Canadian who was removed from the military, RCMP, and civil service due to his sexuality between the Cold War and the 1990s, expressed his appreciation for the monument’s visibility.
Davis emphasized the importance of not forgetting the discrimination faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canadian history, noting that the monument serves as a reminder of a dark period. Recounting his own experience of being confronted about his sexuality while working in the RCMP, Davis shared how he chose to be honest, leading to the end of his career within the organization.
The discriminatory actions that targeted individuals based on their sexuality affected not only Davis but also an estimated 9,000 other 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians who were either coerced into resigning or fired from their positions in the military, RCMP, and civil service. The rationale behind these purges was the unfounded belief that their sexual orientation could compromise national security.
One of the victims of this purge, Sgt. Robert David Van Norman, was a highly respected RCMP officer who was forced to resign in 1964 after being seen in a gay establishment. His niece, Elenore Sturko, shared the impact of the purge on her family, highlighting the shame and stigma attached to the events that led to her uncle’s downfall.
Despite the challenges faced by those affected by the purge, there has been progress towards acknowledging and rectifying past injustices. In 2017, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued an apology for the LGBT Purge, recognizing the harm caused to individuals and their families. The Thunderhead monument, funded in part by settlement money from a class-action lawsuit, stands as a symbol of remembrance and renewal, honoring those who suffered due to discriminatory practices.
Davis and Sturko, both advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, were present at the unveiling of the Thunderhead monument in Ottawa, reflecting on the emotional impact of the ceremony. Sturko, a former RCMP officer herself, expressed admiration for the monument’s significance and its representation of change and renewal in the face of adversity.
