Ahead of the Curve

Ahead of the Curve is a documentary film from 2020 directed by Jen Rainin and Rivkah Beth Medow. This powerful movie gives viewers a look into the life and legacy of Franco Stevens, a crucial figure in the history of lesbian visibility in America. With prominent personalities such as singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge and writer Jewelle Gomez serving as part of the cast, the movie is a pantheon of the influence and changes that Franco Steven and her publication made on society.

Franco Stevens is an enduring icon in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and visibility. This film brilliantly chronicles her life and work, primarily focusing on her groundbreaking magazine, Curve. Franco started the publication in the early 90s, at a time when being openly homosexual was fraught with discrimination, misunderstanding, and hostility. Her daring act of creating a magazine that celebrated and normalized homosexual relationships was a major milestone in American LGBTQ+ history.

The film dives into the conception of Curve, which started when a young, ambitious, and determined Franco took a high risk by betting on horse races to finance the launch of the magazine. Her striking courage and innovative spirit resonate throughout the narrative of Ahead of the Curve. Named Deneuve at its inception, the magazine was then relaunched as Curve, intending to resist and shift the public's perception and acceptance of lesbian relationships.

The documentary tells stories from Franco’s personal life, particularly her ongoing struggles and victories over adversity. Her journey pushes boundaries and reflects significant historic moments through her eponymous publication. This includes the battle for marriage equality, the evolution of civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community, and the constant challenge against stereotypes and misrepresentations.

Franco's determination to empower the lesbian community through representation in media brought an unprecedented shift in perspectives towards lesbians, facilitating a space in which they could both see and express themselves. The film illustrates how the magazine’s cutting-edge content and provocative covers were pushing societal envelopes on a large scale by contributing to the broader dialogue about homosexuality in America.

Franco's charisma and relentlessly pioneering spirit are at the heart of the film, coupled with a striking ensemble of assertive voices representing the LGBTQ+ community. These include renowned singer Melissa Etheridge and award-winning writer Jewelle Gomez, reinforcing the essence of the documentary with their stories, insights, and experiences. Their firsthand accounts enhance the narrative giving a comprehensive view on the struggles and eventual growth of the lesbian community.

While focusing on the past, Ahead of the Curve also looks to the future, addressing topical questions about the relevance and future of print media, and the evolving state of lesbian identity. Franco tackles these questions head-on, embarking on a journey to understand the current state of the lesbian community and how it sees itself within the modern LGBTQ+ spectrum.

The film uses archival footage, interviews with celebrities, and fly-on-the-wall shots of Stevens' current life to tell both her personal arc and the broader societal changes in the representation of lesbian relationships. The interactions captured between Franco, Melissa Etheridge, and Jewelle Gomez are captivating, making the film a touching tribute to lesbian visibility and culture.

Jen Rainin’s directorial debut does justice to Franco Stevens' powerful mission and tenacity, telling the story of a publication that began by taking risks and ultimately transformed the course of lesbian visibility in print media. The film beautifully balances the personal and the political to provide an intimate, comprehensive review of a vital chapter in the history of LGBTQ+ rights. The audience ends up learning as much about the history of American LGBTQ+ social movements as about Stevens herself.

Ahead of the Curve is full of heart and history, made with the kind of passion and integrity the subject demands. It is a significant resource for viewers interested in the history of LGBT rights, the evolution of media representation, and the life of a game-changing personality like Franco Stevens. Required viewing for anyone interested in the history and future of lesbian visibility and LGBTQ+ social movements, Ahead of the Curve is a testament to the transformative power of the lens through which we see ourselves and others in society. This film captures the legacy of a woman who gambled everything for representation and won more than she ever dreamed.