Janine Fuller facts for kids

Janine Fuller (born in 1958) is a Canadian writer and businessperson. She is well known for her work against censorship. Censorship is when someone in power stops certain books, movies, or ideas from being shared.

Janine Fuller was the manager of Little Sister's Book and Art Emporium in Vancouver, British Columbia. This bookstore faced many challenges from Canada Customs. Customs officials often stopped books and other items from reaching the store. These issues led to a big court case called Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium v. Canada (Minister of Justice) in 2004. This case went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Janine Fuller grew up in Toronto, Ontario. From a young age, she believed in fairness for everyone. For example, in Grade 6, she fought to start a girls' soccer team. She later worked at the Toronto Women's Bookstore. In 1983, the store was attacked in an incident.

In 1989, she moved to Vancouver. The next year, she started working at Little Sister's. As the store faced legal problems, she became very active. She helped raise money and spoke out for freedom of expression. This means people should be free to share their ideas and art.

Later in her life, Janine Fuller was diagnosed with Huntington's disease. This is a condition that affects the brain. She now also works to raise awareness and speak about this condition.

Janine Fuller's Books and Plays

Janine Fuller has written several important works. In 1995, she co-wrote a book with Stuart Blackley. It was called Restricted Entry: Censorship on Trial. This book told the true story of the Little Sister's bookstore's fight against censorship.

She also wrote the introduction for another book. This book was named Forbidden Passages: Writings Banned in Canada. It was a collection of parts from books that had been stopped by Canada Customs. Patrick Califia edited this collection.

Besides books, Janine Fuller has also written many plays. She has also performed her art for audiences.

Awards and Recognition

Janine Fuller's work has received many awards. Both Restricted Entry and Forbidden Passages won awards in 1996. These were called Lammies. Forbidden Passages won in the "Editor's Choice" group. Restricted Entry won in the "Publisher's Service" group.

Her important contributions to Canadian culture have been recognized. She has been added to the Q Hall of Fame Canada. She is also part of The ArQuives: Canada's LGBTQ2+ Archives' National Portrait Collection. This honors her role in supporting rights for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

In 2004, Simon Fraser University gave her an honorary Doctorate of Laws. This is a special degree given to people who have done great things. She also received the first Reg Robson Award in 1997. This award came from the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. In 2002, she won the Freedom to Read Award from the Writers' Union of Canada. She has also received awards from many other groups that support women and LGBTQ+ people.

In 2024, Janine Fuller was appointed to the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive.