[2] After college, Curtis pursued a career as an independent filmmaker, focusing on stories highlighting the experiences of individuals in central Kentucky.
[4] In 2023, Curtis gained national attention for her activism against Kentucky's Senate Bill 150, a legislative measure that imposed restrictions on discussions of sexuality and pronoun use in classrooms and banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
In December 2024, Curtis joined the ACLU and other activists outside the Supreme Court as arguments were held in United States v. Skrmetti, a case deciding the lawfulness of gender-affirming care for minors.
Her campaign, contesting a special election to succeed Lamin Swann was historic, as she sought to become the first openly transgender state legislator in Kentucky.
[29][30] Late night television host John Oliver mentioned Curtis's electoral victory on his show Last Week Tonight.
"[E]ven amid the GOP's massive anti-trans ad campaign, on Tuesday, [...] at least 35 transgender and gender-expansive candidates won races in places like Montana, Hawaii and Kentucky, where Emma Curtis was elected to the [Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council], and that is a big deal," Oliver said on his show's first episode after the 2024 general election.
[33] She has expressed that her presence in public office serves as an inspiration for young transgender individuals, demonstrating that they have a place and a voice in their communities.