From Deneuve to Curve
Despite its success, the magazine faced censorship from state officials and distributors alike.
Canadian customs officials rejected the January/February 1992 issue for displaying nude images by photographer Nina Glaser. Glaser described nude images as “more honest and real” than clothed ones, and as artistic rather than erotic. An October 1994 issue featuring a topless Marga Gomez was sold in the South in blue plastic wrappers after a distributor complained. Despite these challenges, Stevens’ grassroots promotion strategy brought the magazine to rural and conservative areas where the magazine was some women’s only contact with the lesbian community.
The magazine’s greatest challenge became its name, after French actress Catherine Deneuve sued the company for trademark infringement in 1995.
Stevens claimed the name was inspired by her first girlfriend from summer camp, but litigation expenses forced Stevens to change the name to Curve in February of 1996. With help from the community, including the celebrity attendees of the "Alive and Kicking" legal aid benefit, the magazine continued to report on the queer life, love, community, culture, and politics for years to come
