The Curve Foundation champions LGBTQ+ women’s and nonbinary people’s culture and stories through intergenerational programming and community building. We are inclusive of all who identify as part of the Curve community.
We bring the Curve magazine archive to life, providing context and a throughline between the critical conversations in the 1990s and early 2000s and today; we support the journalists who tell our stories; and we host conversations and events that bring our community together.
With nearly 30% of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ+, Curve’s mission remains critical. While it’s wonderful that many young people feel safe to live authentically, we are seeing our hard-won rights being stripped away. When our stories and contributions to society are not protected, we see increases in violence against women, mental health issues, homeless youth, and suicide.
(Source: True Colors Fund, a nonprofit organization working to end homelessness in the LGBT community)
(Source: as reported by NPR)
(Source: The National Association on Mental Illness)
(Source: UCLA Williams Institute)
That’s why The Curve Foundation spotlights the roles lesbians hold in society and the contributions we make, creating a positive space for lesbians and queer women with programs like Curve Conversations, Lesbian Visibility Week, and the Curve Fellowship for Emerging Journalists.
Source: Journal of Applied Social Psychology (Levina 2000)
Source: Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization (Aneja 2021)
Our work is critical to move the LGBTQ+ community out of a scarcity framework towards a future based on abundance. We dream of a world where we can see each other for who we are and embrace what makes us different; a world where our community doesn’t define our unity through our shared oppression, but through our ability to come together in joy and solidarity.
Join us in shaping this future. Your support, whether through donation, volunteering, or participation in our events, makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those we champion. Together, we can create a world where unity and joy define our LGBTQ+ community.
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In 2021, Curve magazine became a not-for-profit project of The Curve Foundation. Curve relaunched digitally with an iconic new look that embodies the rich history and exciting legacy of our community’s stories. Going forward, Curve will draw a throughline between what was happening from the time it launched in the 1990s to what’s happening today for the Curve Community.
The Curve Foundation is proud to further its mission of sharing our culture and stories, connecting with each other, and raising visibility by providing a searchable, accessible archive of the 30+ years of Curve and Deneuve Magazine issues.
AHEAD OF THE CURVE is the story of one of the most influential women in lesbian history you’ve never heard of and the impact her work continues to have today. Growing up, Franco never saw any representation of queer women-she didn’t even know it was possible for a woman to be gay. When she realized she was a lesbian, it changed the course of her life.
Films and series that pass the Curve Test help broaden and deepen representation beyond the stories that reduce LGBTQ+ women, trans, and non-binary people to stereotypes. This test is not intended to be used as a weapon to shame. Films and series that don’t pass are not to be condemned. Rather, the test is intended as a tool for conversation, a barometer to help us see which films and series are pushing the movement forward and where we need to put more attention.
With the support of our community, Curve will work to continue to curate our culture into the future.
COUNTING DOWN UNTIL #LesbianVisibilityWeek! If you haven't already, be sure to register for free and ticketed events today at 🔗 LesbianVisibilityWeekUSA.com!
#LVW kicks off on Monday, April 21st and there's an exciting lineup of celebrations and activities happening.
✨ LESBIAN VISIBILITY WEEK EVENTS INCLUDE:
Panel discussions • Flag raising ceremonies • Art exhibits • Film screenings • Wellness workshops • Comedy shows • Spoken word and poetry readings • Community mixers • Trivia • Dance parties • And so much more!
🎬 DON'T MISS this conversation featuring legendary filmmakers Cheryl Dunye (Watermelon Woman), Pratibha Parmar (Nina's Heavenly Delights), with moderator Madeleine Lim (Filmmaker & Executive Director of QWOCMAP)!
EVENT: Unshakeable Legacy: Queer Women of Color Filmmakers
WHEN: 12p PT/ 3p ET
WHERE: Virtual, RSVP for Zoom link
FREE with RSVP: buff.ly/7XH2Wqb
This discussion is co-presented by The Curve Foundation and QWOCMAP - Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project as part of Curve's Beyond the Rainbow panel series. Hear from the three special speakers as they reflect on the past 25 years for queer women of color in film, while also envisioning what the next 25 years will bring. This panel promises to inspire thought and ignite new questions.
*Full event information and bios for speakers are listed in the event description at www.LesbianVisibilityWeekUSA.com
We're thrilled to be co-hosting this ART OPENING RECEPTION with @sflgbtcenter! Join us for QUEER & PROUD Art Exhibition: A Celebration of Lesbian Visibility 🌈
🗓 Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market St, San Francisco, CA
🌟 FREE WITH RSVP: buff.ly/QE6WDBI
Presented by The Curve Foundation and SF LGBT Center, this three-part exhibition features rare '90s images by Curve Magazine photographers Chloe Atkins, Phyllis Christopher, and Jessica Tanzer; winning entries of the 2025 Curve Photo Contest, and art from Tanya Wischerath's mural Living Lesbian Legends.
🎶 Plus, enjoy live music from DJ Page Hodel and sip on award-winning wines from Hall Winery🍷
Select photographs will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the artists, The Curve Foundation, The SF LGBT Center, and Lesbian Visibility Week.
*Photo in poster by Chloe Atkins
#LesbianVisibility #SFEvents #LGBTQ #LGBT #Queer #LesbianVisibilityWeek #SFLGBTCENTER #TheCurveFoundation #LVWUSA25 #LVW #LVW2025
🌟 Applications Now Open for the 2025 Curve Fellowship for Emerging Journalists! 🌟
Journalism and storytelling from the perspective of diverse LGBTQ+ voices are more critical than ever in the media landscape. The Curve Foundation and NLGJA - The Association of LGBTQ Journalists are proud to present our annual fellowship that supports emerging journalists who identify as lesbian, queer women, transwomen, and nonbinary. Journalists are provided financial support, career development, and mentorship, so they can achieve remarkable impact in their field.
Learn more about past participants of this program at TheCurveFoundation.org.
CLOSING APRIL 30, 2025.
APPLY AT: www.nlgja.org/awardsinfo/curve-award
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