Franco Stevens (She/They) is a pioneering figure in queer women’s media, best known for founding Curve magazine, the world’s most successful lesbian magazine. Created in 1991, Curve became a crucial space for raising lesbian visibility, connecting the LGBTQ+ community, and breaking down barriers in media representation. Under Franco’s leadership, the magazine covered politics, news, entertainment, and culture from a distinctly lesbian perspective, paving the way for increased recognition of femme-identifying lesbians, transgender experiences, and lesbian families.
In addition to her media work, Franco co-founded The Curve Foundation, the only national nonprofit championing lesbian and queer women’s culture through intergenerational programming and community building. Whether shaping Lesbian Visibility Week into an international celebration or mentoring the next wave of LGBTQ+ storytellers, she leads with purpose, clarity, and inclusivity.
Franco’s legacy in queer media and activism has earned her a place in the LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame. She has also served on the board of directors for GLAAD and was a founding board member of the San Francisco LGBT Center.
Franco’s story is featured in AHEAD OF THE CURVE, a documentary highlighting her life and work as a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community.
