by Ray Rico
The 10th Annual Focus Awards lit up Ballet Memphis in Overton Square on Friday, August 22, with a night of grit, glam, and heartfelt community celebration. Since its founding, the Focus Awards has been more than an event—it’s been a gathering point for Memphis and Mid-South LGBTQ+ leaders, entertainers, allies, and changemakers who have left lasting marks on the community.
This year’s milestone anniversary was hosted with warmth and wit by Chef Eli Townsend and Krista Wright Thayer, both familiar faces and beloved voices in the community. With catering by Good Groceries, bartenders Rubi and Eileen keeping glasses full, and a beautifully staged program in the Ballet Memphis theater, the evening offered both elegance and energy. Guests enjoyed live performances, laughter, and emotional moments as winners were revealed on stage.
The evening’s success was made possible thanks to presenting sponsor Dr. Thomas Ratliff, alongside generous support from Fish & Associates, Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), OUTMemphis, CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, Opera Memphis, Utopia Animal Hospital, and the MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Together, these partners helped elevate the Focus Awards into an unforgettable night of recognition and love.
Special thanks were also extended to Ellen Phillips for her video and promotional work, and to Mathew Thayer for behind-the-scenes support.
Trailblazers Leading the Way
The Trailblazer Award recognized those creating new paths forward for the Mid-South LGBTQ+ community. Nominees included Bryanna Byrd, whose leadership in Memphis DSA and creation of a gender-affirming pop-up closet has supported hundreds of trans Memphians; Briar Brakhage, a Focus contributor and community board member whose storytelling uplifts the voices of many; and Mar Newell, a dedicated advocate for trans rights through leadership with Mid-South Pride and Mid-South Trans Nation.
The 2025 Trailblazer Award was awarded to Mar Newell, whose steady leadership and vision continue to shape safer, stronger, and more affirming spaces for trans people across the South.
Honoring Champions in the Mid-South
The Focus Awards opened with the Champion of the Year Award, celebrating those who go above and beyond to uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
Nominees included Jordan Ash, a steadfast ally to the trans community whose advocacy and presence have amplified the movement for equality across the South. Eléanor Kay Rigby, a passionate leader in the Latinx community, was recognized for her groundbreaking work in HIV prevention and her tireless commitment to ending stigma. MidSouth Pride was nominated for its dedication to keeping Pride alive in Memphis, even amid challenges and setbacks.
The category’s winner, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, was honored for over 75 years of providing compassionate, affordable, and high-quality reproductive and sexual health care across Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Arkansas. Their legacy of service and unwavering advocacy for health and rights made them a standout in 2025.
Celebrating Performers Who Inspire
Performance has always been central to LGBTQ+ culture, and the Performer of the Year Award captured that spirit. Nominees included Divergent, a powerhouse band blending blues, pop, and rock ’n’ roll led by frontwoman Jad Davis, and Eléanor Kay Rigby, who dazzles as a performer while also working as an advocate with Friends For All.
The award went to Eléanor Kay Rigby, whose artistry, heart, and activism have made her a beloved figure both on stage and within the community. Her win reflected the powerful connection she builds through performance and service.
The People’s Choice
Community engagement was at the heart of the People’s Choice Award, where voting gave the public a chance to lift up their heroes. Nominees included Jenna Dunn, whose leadership has built vital spaces for trans Memphians; Eléanor Kay Rigby, recognized again for her advocacy and artistry; and Javon Bass, a leader whose nonprofit LIFE of MS provides inclusive spaces and vital support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The community chose Javon Bass and LIFE of MS as the winners, reflecting his deep impact and commitment to uplifting lives through action and empathy.
Honoring Legacy and Leadership
Several awards this year were presented as sole honors, recognizing individuals and organizations whose contributions are simply beyond measure.
The Legacy Award was presented to WeCare TN, led by Jasmine Tasaki, for its tireless work empowering Black transgender women engaged in sex work and substance use. Their commitment to equity, dignity, and life-saving resources has touched thousands of lives since the organization’s founding.
The Publisher’s Award was given to Kayla Gore, co-founder of My Sistah’s House. Gore’s tireless work providing housing and support for trans women of color has reshaped Memphis’s approach to safety, dignity, and community-driven solutions. Her Tiny Homes initiative has garnered national attention for its vision and impact.
The Heart of Gold Award went to Cary Vaughn, beloved for his decades of contributions to Memphis theater and his work as an Arts & Entertainment writer for Focus. His performances and storytelling reflect a deep passion for the arts and a generosity of spirit that continues to inspire.
Business Excellence: Partnering with the MidSouth LGBT Chamber
In a new collaboration, Focus partnered with the MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce to pilot a series of business awards, with the hope of helping the Chamber launch its own awards ceremony in the future.
The MidSouth LGBT Chamber Business Award recognized organizations supporting and uplifting the community. Nominees included Emerald Theatre Company, a creative cornerstone of Memphis arts; Playhouse on the Square, a professional theater enriching culture citywide; Butterific Bakery & Cafe, led by Tamika Heard, which has become a hub for family and community; DRUS Bar, a vital gathering space led by Tami Montgomery Dickerson; and Gould’s Academy, which has supported Chamber events and trained a new generation of stylists.
The award went to Gould’s Academy, honored for its ongoing partnership and commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives in the Mid-South.
The MidSouth LGBT Chamber Business Person of the Year Award recognized outstanding leaders. Nominees included Antoine Ghoston, a visionary leader in Arkansas creating spaces through Utopia Center and Little Rock Black Pride; Vanessa Rodley, a dedicated advocate and Chamber board member; Dana James Mwangi, the creative strategist behind Cheers Creative, who refreshed the Chamber’s branding and website; and Deborah Frazier, a long-time community supporter and organizer.
The winner, Dana James Mwangi, was celebrated for her creativity and impact in reimagining how the Chamber connects with its community.
Finally, the Chamber presented the Pioneer Award to Buddy Douglas, a champion of connection and celebration through his work with Mid-South Pride, the Chamber, Mystic Krewe of Pegasus, and the Historic Gay Society. Going forward, this award will be known as the Buddy Douglas Pioneer Award in his honor.
A Night of Gratitude and Celebration
As the evening closed, the Focus Awards reminded attendees why this tradition has lasted a decade. From performers to honorees, nominees to sponsors, and hosts to behind-the-scenes supporters, the night was a collective reflection of Memphis’s resilience, creativity, and love.
Thanks were given to everyone who attended, voted, and helped make the 10th anniversary of the Focus Awards a success. With laughter, heartfelt speeches, and a sense of history, the 2025 Focus Awards left no doubt: the Mid-South LGBTQ+ community continues to shine with grit and glam.
See all the winners and more at thefocusawards.com. #focusawards2025 #focusmidsouth
