Why Now

Queer stories are under pressure, but they have never been more important. As LGBTQ+ people face growing efforts to erase our histories, restrict our rights, and narrow who gets to be seen and heard, bold storytelling does more than reflect culture. It helps to shift it. We believe queer women and gender-expansive people deserve to be the authors of the stories that shape how we understand ourselves, one another, and the world.

What We Make Possible

The Frankly Speaking Founders Fund fuels our full ecosystem of queer storytelling, from developing and producing powerful, cinematic films to joining communities, movements, and conversations where they can create change. Your support helps films get made, connects them with audiences and organizations working for change, creates spaces for queer community and culture, sparks meaningful industry conversations, and mentors the next generation of filmmakers.

We measure our success not only by films completed or audiences reached, but by what these stories make possible: greater connection across difference, stronger communities, changed hearts and minds, policy shifts, support for people directly affected by the issues we explore, and lasting positive cultural change.

Over the next five years, with your support, we will:

• Incubate and champion 30 new films by queer and gender-expansive filmmakers

• Make bold, emotionally resonant films that bring universal stories to the screen through queer perspectives

• Build impact campaigns that connect films to movements, leaders, communities, and opportunities for action

• Create spaces for queer connection and culture through Curve Film Club and the Sapphic Cinema Social Club

• Bring industry leaders into conversation through the Frankly Speaking Series

• Mentor the next generation of queer and gender-expansive filmmakers

• Build a sustainable ecosystem where queer stories are not just made, but seen, celebrated, and used as tools for change

The Frankly Speaking Founders Fund is an invitation to help decide what gets made, who gets heard, and what becomes possible.

Together, we make sure our stories and our community can never be erased.