Honoring Our Trans Siblings this Trans Day of Remembrance
How you can show up this Trans Day of Remembrance in Memphis.
November 20, 2023
Ray Rico
Ray Rico is the publisher of Focus and an award winning communications strategist with more than 20 years of experience in journalism, marketing, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. His writing explores the people, issues, and organizations shaping the Mid South, drawing on a career in public health, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership to inform and inspire readers.
Editor’s Note: In Celebration of Us
In this Editor’s note, new Digital Content Editor, Jasper Joyner, shares their vision for Focus Magazine.
November 16, 2023
Focus Mid-South Magazine Announces Focus Awards 2023
Focus Mid-South Magazine Announces Focus Awards 2023 People’s Choice Award Recipients with Surprise $10,000 Prize Focus Mid-South Magazine is thrilled to reveal the 2023 People’s Choice Award recipient, Mr. Eli
October 22, 2023
Q + A with Filmmaker Naima Overton
(Above photo of Naima Overton, by Malik Martin) We partnered with Indie Memphis to bring you a queer guide to the 2023 festival. We also got to talk briefly with
October 17, 2023
7 Tips for LGBTQ+ Solo Travelers
Making Memories, Unleashing Freedom In a world opening up to diversity and acceptance, embarking on a solo journey as an LGBTQ+ traveler is not just fine, it’s a chance to
October 2, 2023
Flower Friend Farms
In early June, I left Midtown and ventured out to Bartlett to visit Angie Arnold at her newly established flower farm. The farm sits on three acres of property that
July 20, 2023
The Future is Queer: Star Trek Brings Memphians & Our Community Together
by Chellie Bowman | photos by Frank Chin This is an article where I get to tell you about some really nerdy, really unique stuff happening in Memphis, but I
October 31, 2022
Q + A with Josh Horton, Founder of Creative Works
by Chellie Bowman | image above by Brandon Rike How long have you been a part of the creative community? When and how did you start the Creative Works Conference?
September 28, 2022
Sexual Health Accessibility with OUTMemphis
(Photo above: A volunteer at the center, Victoria Coss, is in the process of creating a mural in the Health Office) I recently met with Jessie Claudio, Senior Manager of
August 3, 2022
HOIST Continues a Legacy of Leather Culture with Safe, Consenting Practices
(Photos courtesy of Sir Den) HOIST has been around for seven years. Focus had the pleasure of speaking with Boy Aaron, this year’s president. What is HOIST’s background? HOIST is
July 29, 2022
Creativity Thrives at Music City Creative
(Above: The Music City Creative Staff poses for a group photo in a few of their tees. From left to right: Cameron (he/him), Emmitt (they/ them), Alexis (they/them), Jared (he/him),
March 29, 2022
Exploring the Work of Brantley Ellzey
(Above: Brantley poses in front of his artwork. The piece commemorates the Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Centennial. It is hung at Shorb Tower at Methodist University Hospital in Midtown Memphis. Photo
March 22, 2022
