Biggest Gay Bookshops in Canada
Biggest Gay Bookshops in Canada
Canada is regarded as one of the most advanced countries in legal recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights. Gay and lesbian themes appeared in Canadian literature throughout the 20th century. Since June 2017, all provincial and territorial human rights legislation explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and some also explicitly include gender expression. So you are looking at an LGBTQ+ friendly society and this means you should have good places you can visit to get books that project this community. Here’s a list of top LGBTQ+ bookshops in Canada.
Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day Bookshop was founded in 1970 and it is the oldest queer bookstore in the world. They sell a wide selection of 2SLGBTQ+ literature and also merch from local Canadian artists and makers. They also have a subscription box idea in which their staff pick two books each month that are mailed out to you. This is a very popular place that LGBTQ+ community members visit for books interesting books.
Location: 499 Church Street
Toronto, ON M4Y 2C6
https://www.gladdaybookshop.com/
Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium
Little Sister was opened in 1983 and has since grown to become one of the most sought-after destinations for queer book lovers in Canada. The bookstore represents the power of community and had its share of drama, from government harassment and homophobic bombings while on its path to success. Today the shop has become stronger and still offers a safe place, events, and an amazing range of queer books for all ages. It has an amazing greeting card section, adult toys and supplies. It is a comfort zone for LGBTQ+ community members.
Location: 1238 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
V6E 1N3
Spartacus Books
Spartacus Books is not exclusively a queer bookshop but a not-for-profit, volunteer-run radical bookstore that features large sections on gender and queer studies. It also has sci-fi and radical books. They also stock zines and merch as well as many periodicals. Find this location and pay a visit to the bookshop.
Location: 101 – 1983 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A8
Cross & Crows Books
Cross & Crows Books is a queer store that also primarily focuses on marginalised communities in Canada. Alongside their prominent queer and Pride sections they have sections highlighting books on disability, on trans rights, books by indigenous queer authors, and by mainstream Canadian authors/publishers. The bookshop has an area promoting books that had been banned or targeted in schools and libraries. It is an inclusive bookshop with a lot of support for marginalized communities.
Location: 2836 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
Canada V5N 4C6
