Jim Deva Celebration of Life Pride parade entry invites participants

Local hero Jim Deva may be gone but it's clear that LGBT communities are doing their best to ensure he won't be forgotten.

The Vancouver Pride Society and Deva's family and friends announced today (July 30) that the Jim Deva Celebration of Life parade entry will march in the Vancouver Pride parade on Sunday (August 2).

Deva founded Little Sister's Bookstore in 1983, with his partner Bruce Smith. The store became famous for its long-running fight against discrminatory censorship by Canada Customs. While Deva was involved in that battle, he also championed LGBT rights and social progress in numerous other ways.

One of those ways was his involvement in the LOUD Business Association and awards, which has since named a scholarship fund after him.

Tragically, Deva died in September 2014 at age 65.

The City of Vancouver has revealed plans to name a new Bute Street plaza, adjacent to Vancouver's rainbow crosswalks, after Deva.

Anyone who feels they have benefited from Deva's work or activism or who knew him can participate in the entry.

If you want to march along with Deva one last time, the entry will meet in the parking lot of Little Sister's Book and Art Emporium (1280 Davie Street) at 10 a.m. on August 2.

The entry is being organized by Little Sister's manager and Deva's longtime friend Janine Fuller, who can be reached by email or by phone at 604-669-1753 if you have questions.