New Era for Little Sister’s: Iconic Queer Bookstore Sold to Impact Investor
New Era for Little Sister’s: Iconic Queer Bookstore Sold to Impact Investor
VANCOUVER, BC — Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium, a cornerstone of North American 2SLGBTQIA+ history and a symbol of legal resistance in Canada, has officially changed hands. The Davie Village institution has been acquired by Parm Gill, a B.C.-based impact investor and chair of Queer Business BC, marking a transition to a new generation of queer ownership.
The sale, announced in a May 11, 2026 Press Release, concludes the decade-long stewardship of Verna Gilchrist. Gilchrist and her late brother, Don Wilson, purchased the business in 2014 from original founders Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth.
A Legacy of Legal and Physical Resistance
Established in 1983, Little Sister’s began as the only queer bookstore in Western Canada. Its history is inextricably linked to the fight for civil liberties in Canada. The shop is most notable for:
Supreme Court Precedent: For years, the store fought Canada Customs over the seizure of LGBTQ+ literature. This culminated in a landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision that challenged government censorship and defended freedom of expression.
Target of Violence: During its struggle for visibility and legal rights, the bookstore was the target of three separate terrorist bombings.
The AIDS Crisis: In the 1980s and 90s, the store functioned as a critical resource center, providing life-saving information and community support during the height of the epidemic.
"Little Sister's has stood as a beacon of resistance, community and pride," said former owner Verna Gilchrist. "It was really important for me that, when it came time to sell the business, we kept it within the queer community."
Modernization and Infrastructure Investment
The acquisition comes with a commitment to significant capital investment. Gill, who brings a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, plans to modernize the store's operations while maintaining its cultural identity.
Planned improvements over the coming months include:
E-commerce Overhaul: A complete rebuild of the digital storefront to expand the shop’s reach beyond Vancouver.
Interior Renovation: A refresh of the physical space at 1238 Davie Street to better accommodate community events and gatherings.
Inventory Diversification: Introducing new product lines to complement the store's existing mix of literature, clothing, and wellness products.
"Little Sister’s is one of Canada's most significant 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural institutions," says Gill. "I want to renew its role as a central hub... and make it easier for people across B.C. and beyond to access products that affirm their identity."
The Road Ahead
The sale represents a pivotal moment for independent bookstores and queer spaces, which have faced increasing pressure from global e-commerce giants and rising urban real estate costs. By transitioning to an owner with a background in impact investing, Little Sister’s appears to be positioning itself to balance its role as a community non-profit "sanctuary" with the digital infrastructure required for 21st-century retail.
Gill’s deep roots in the B.C. business community—having been raised in Squamish and currently leading Queer Business BC—suggests a strategy focused on both financial sustainability and cultural preservation.