

Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of One’s Own Name
For Tess Shelton, the battle to win easier name changing systems for trans people is personal. Tess’s girlfriend is trans, and through this relationship Tess
Read the true life stories of our LGBT+ advocates, youth, seniors, allies, and trans community in the Mid-South.
For Tess Shelton, the battle to win easier name changing systems for trans people is personal. Tess’s girlfriend is trans, and through this relationship Tess
I first met Jasmine Settles years ago, facilitating a youth poetry program at Hattiloo Theater called Write On, Speak Out. In my time here as
story by Chris Reeder Young | photos by Marcus Menefee Memphis is blessed with two business creatives who form one of my most favorite and
(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
by Moth Moth Moth | photo by Marcus Menefee There is a marvelous person staring back at me from my kitchen table. It’s early February
Andrea Morales is a photojournalist based in Memphis and the Visuals Director at MLK50, a Black woman-led non-profit newsroom. Having always been in awe with
photo above & story by Maureen Truax Holland, Esq. Full disclosure: I was asked to write this article when the Focus editor found out I
story by Moth Moth Moth | illustrations by Fergus Harmon Fergus and Angel are the doting fathers of Chiquita Laquita Bonita, a young chihuahua who
by Robin Beaudoin Ownby | photo courtesy of Eileen Hogan The pandemic has been rough for the beloved bartender, and yet, she persists. In the
by Allen Brewer (he/his) | photos courtesy of Gina Sweat Among the brave members of the Memphis Fire Department, Fire Chief Gina Sweat stands out
by Sarah Rutledge Fischer | photo by Joan Allison Holistic AttorneyIn the early 2000s, Maureen T. Holland was developing a philosophy of law. Though she
by Sarah Rushakoff With a dogged determination to keep the beloved festival alive amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rodley led a team of volunteers at Mid-South
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