Jane Rule

Jane Vance Rule (March 28, 1931 – November 27, 2007) was a Canadian writer and lesbian activist, best known for her novels exploring themes of lesbian relationships, identity, and community.

Rule was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, and moved to Canada in 1956, where she lived for the rest of her life. She taught at the University of British Columbia before becoming a full-time writer.

Her work challenged conventional notions of family and relationships, and provided important representation of lesbian lives at a time when such representation was scarce. She addressed complex moral and social issues through her characters and narratives, offering insightful critiques of societal norms.

Major Works:

• Desert of the Heart (1964): A novel that was adapted into the film Desert Hearts (1985).
• This Is Not For You (1970)
• Against the Season (1971)
• Theme for Diverse Instruments (1975): A collection of short stories.
• The Young in One Another's Arms (1977)
• Contract with the World (1980)
• Memory Board (1987)
• After the Fire (1989)
• Outlander (1981): A collection of essays.

Rule's impact extends beyond her literary contributions. She was a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and used her platform to advocate for equality and social justice. Her writing and activism helped pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding of lesbian and gay individuals and relationships. She is considered a significant figure in Canadian literature and queer literature.