Ahead of the Curve is a 2020 documentary that chronicles the life and journey of Franco Stevens, the founder and publisher of the first-ever lesbian print magazine, Curve. Directed by Jen Rainin, the movie features interviews and personal stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community, including musicians Melissa Etheridge and Lea DeLaria, activist Jewelle Gomez, and writers Jewelle Gomez and Carolyn W. Minnott.
The film opens with a nostalgic look at the history of lesbian publications and the lack of representation in mainstream media for lesbians. It then transitions to Stevens' childhood, growing up in an Italian Catholic family in the 70s and suppressing her sexuality due to the homophobia prevalent in society at the time. Stevens moved to San Francisco in the 90s and began volunteering at the LGBTQ+ Community Center, where she realized the need for a magazine that catered specifically to lesbian women.
Stevens is portrayed in the movie as a trailblazer who was ahead of her time. She describes creating the magazine as a way to fill a need in the community, and it quickly became a success, with its first issue selling out on newsstands across the country. The movie includes footage of the magazine's early days, with its edgy design and features on everything from sex toys to political issues.
The personal element of the documentary comes through in Stevens' relationship with her partner, Jen Rainin, who is also the director of the film. The two women met in the late 90s at a benefit for the magazine, and their relationship is interwoven throughout the movie. The couple faces challenges, such as Rainin's diagnosis with MS, but they work together to support the magazine and the LGBTQ+ community.
The film also delves into the struggles and triumphs that come with being a queer woman of color. Gomez, a queer Black woman, is featured in several interview segments, sharing her experiences with racism and homophobia in the 80s and how important publications like Curve were for representation. The movie also touches on the discrimination and violence faced by the transgender community, with Etheridge stating that "we need to be accepting of everyone's path to love."
The documentary addresses the challenges that faced Curve over the years, including financial struggles and the rise of online media. Stevens candidly discusses the difficult decision to sell Curve in 2010, leading to mixed emotions from those interviewed for the film. They recognize the importance of the publication but lament the loss of an independent voice for the lesbian community.
Overall, Ahead of the Curve is a heartfelt and inspiring documentary that celebrates the legacy of Curve magazine and the impact it had on the lesbian community. The film emphasizes the importance of representation and the role that media plays in shaping our understanding of marginalized communities. Stevens is portrayed as a visionary who created a space for queer women to see themselves and feel less isolated. The contributions of queer Black women are also highlighted, emphasizing the intersectionality and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Ultimately, the film is a call to action to continue the fight for equality and visibility for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ahead of the Curve is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 62.
