VANCOUVER — Little Sister's Book & Art Emporium will mark its 38th anniversary on Saturday, May 29.
The brick-and-mortar retailer was founded and owned by Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth until Deva's sudden passing in 2011; Smyth subsequently sold the store to Don Wilson, who also sits on the stewardship committee for the public area known as Jim Deva Plaza.
"Since we opened in the West End [neighborhood] in 1983, the store has been a mainstay in the community for LGBTQIA+ folks by offering a safe haven for all persons regardless of their sexual orientation and by tirelessly fighting for equal rights for all folks," a rep told XBIZ.
From its inception, Little Sister's specialized in selling LGBTQIA+ literature.
"Our store was thrust into the public eye in our fight against custom censorship laws where we found our books repeatedly being seized and detained due to outdated and equality-rights-infringing provisions labelling the books as 'obscene.' After many years of court battles, Little Sisters eventually won a court case with specific censorship provisions being lifted," the rep recalled.
The court battles brought Little Sister's international recognition. The store expanded its inventory to include Pride items, greeting cards, clothing and adult health products.
The retailer continues to participate in Vancouver's yearly Pride parade, acts as a ticketing vendor for the Vancouver Queer Film Festival and other local community events and funds a yearly scholarship to the Loud Foundation in support of future leaders of the Canadian LGBTQIA+ community.
"We appreciate your continued support during these trying times," the rep said. "We always look forward to your visits!"
Store hours are currently 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PDT) Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and holidays. Bike racks are installed in front of the store; five free parking spots, and a handicapped spot, are available in back. Current COVID-19 regulations require face masks for admittance and while shopping.
