By Canadian Press

Design for national LGBTQ2+ monument inspired by thundercloud and disco balls

Mar 24, 2022 | 10:43 AM

OTTAWA — A national LGBTQ2+ monument — inspired by a dramatic thundercloud — is to be built in Ottawa by 2025.

The winning design, featuring a silver mirrored mosaic interior influenced by a thunderhead cloud and disco balls, was unveiled today at an event attended by Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez.

The $8-million monument, designed by a team including Winnipeg landscape architects Public City, includes a viewing platform, stage, herb garden, healing circle and seating areas.

Visual artist Shawna Dempsey, one of the design team members, said the “110-per-cent queer” monument was meant to be used by everyone.

It will be paid for by funds from settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the Canadian government following systematic discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and federal public service.

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Rodriguez says it is vital to remember Canada’s history of institutionalized homophobia and transphobia.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published 24 March 2022.

The Canadian Press