Canada Post is honoring Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium in Vancouver with a new stamp for its pivotal role in a legal battle that advanced 2SLGBTQ+ rights in Canada. The bookstore, established in 1983, served as a haven and information hub for the community.
In a significant victory 26 years ago, the bookstore successfully challenged border officials in a lengthy legal dispute over the importation of queer-themed materials, which were unjustly deemed “obscene.” The stamp showcases portraits of the founders, Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth, and the store’s longtime manager, Janine Fuller, who tirelessly pursued the case to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Parm Gill, the current owner who took over earlier this year, emphasized that the stamp pays tribute to the past while symbolizing hope for a more inclusive future. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding queer rights, especially in the face of ongoing challenges, to create a society that values safety and equality for everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The stamp is part of the “Places of Pride” series, which celebrates significant Canadian locations in the fight for 2SLGBTQ+ equality. Designed by Kelly Small and illustrated by Tim Singleton, the stamp also features the cat named Little Sister, after whom the store was named.
Little Sister’s legal battle began immediately after its inception when founders Deva and Smyth noticed discriminatory treatment by U.S. suppliers, leading to seizures and censorship at the border. Despite facing obstacles and a 15-year legal struggle, the bookstore ultimately triumphed in a landmark Supreme Court ruling that highlighted the importance of freedom of expression.
While Deva and Smyth have since passed away, their legacy lives on through Little Sister’s, which continues to serve as a vital community hub and a beacon of advocacy in Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. The store remains at the forefront of contemporary struggles and provides a welcoming space for individuals exploring their identities and seeking a sense of belonging.