Episode Details

A new monument in Ottawa, called Thunderhead, honors thousands of Canadians forced out of the military, RCMP, and civil service during the Cold War for being gay — a purge rooted in fear of blackmail and deemed a security risk. Nine thousand lives were shattered, careers lost, families torn apart. Survivors like Wayne Davis, who was fired from the RCMP in 1985 after admitting his sexuality, and Elenore Sturko, whose great uncle died in poverty after being forced out in 1964, share harrowing stories of shame and loss. The monument, funded by a class-action settlement and adorned with thousands of mirrors, symbolizes the hidden sparkle of those erased from history. Its unveiling brought together survivors and allies, echoing the 2017 government apology — a solemn tribute to resilience, remembrance, and the enduring power of visibility.

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