MTSU’s 2021 LGBT+ College Conference
The 2021 LGBT+ College Conference will be held as a virtual event April 1-3, 2021. The conference is FREE to attend for everyone. Please register to help in planning. Conference
March 25, 2021
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.
Focus Magazine Publisher Ray Rico Freelance Launches Web, Social Channels ‘End HIV 901’
by Joan Allison (she/her) The St. Jude-led community coalition aims to achieve zero HIV transmissions by 2030. With leading centers for children’s cancer research, organ transplantation, and stroke and cardiac
March 18, 2021
Slate of Hate is Still Trying to Find a Home in Tennessee
by Joan Allison, Focus® Managing Editor (she/her); edited by Shahin Samiei, MPH (he/his)Shelby County Committee Chair, Tennessee Equality Project (ssamiei_mem@yahoo.com) Each year, certain legislators take it upon themselves to propose
March 15, 2021
Concrete Steps the Biden-Harris Administration Must Make to End the HIV Epidemic
by AIDS United | photos from Shutterstock The first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration mark a unique opportunity to revitalize efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United
March 12, 2021
(no subject) apparel Launches Online Store with Handmade Collection Celebrating Inclusivity
by Faith Holt (no subject) apparel, an online apparel store selling contemporary, mindful, unisex designs, launches their online storefront on Wednesday, March 3. LGBTQ+ designers and owners, Faith Holt (she/her)
March 1, 2021
Today’s LGBT+ Lesson: Pronouns
Gender neutral pronouns have been around for centuries. At least as far back as 12th century Old English, the pronouns were almost indistinguishable, which prompted the use of ‘she’ to
February 10, 2021
My Sistah’s House is Getting Bigger
by Joan Allison, Focus® magazines managing editor Memphis leader, Kayla Gore, is making big news with improved construction plans for her tiny homes for the homeless — and in an
February 7, 2021
Hollywood Insider
story by Romeo San Vicente Selena Gomez is going to climb every Mountain One of this year’s TV pleasures has been watching a homebound Selena Gomez earnestly trying to learn
January 11, 2021
Keeping Funds Local to Promote Effective Change in Access to HIV Care
Friends for Life, Special to Focus Mid-South | photo by Ray Rico Thanks to Memphis LGBT+ advocate Jerred Price, The Elton John AIDS Foundation is the recipient of the Focus
December 30, 2020
Justin Utley Releases New Holiday Single, “All is Bright”
In “All is Bright,” the first holiday release from the OUTMusic Award-winning singer/songwriter, Justin Utley sings how even during these dark and tumultuous times, there’s still a silver lining.
December 5, 2020
Holiday Treats
Here are some Focus Middle Tennessee staff-approved treats to try out this holiday season. Savory or sweet, they are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
November 28, 2020
29th Annual “Virtual” Nashville AIDS Walk Results
Thanks to generous sponsors, donors, individual and team fundraisers Nashville CARES raised over $89,600! We had 215 people register and 28 teams formed to make this event successful.
November 25, 2020
