Introducing the Focus Community Advisory Group

Meet your 2025 members of the Focus Community Advisory Group

At Focus Mid-South, we are committed to serving our community better, and we are excited to announce the formation of our new Community Advisory Group (CAG). This group is part of our ongoing effort to represent and amplify the voices of those who are often underrepresented. The CAG will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our magazine.

Our CAG consists of individuals with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds from across the region, including both strong allies and familiar faces. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our community’s diverse needs. Together, we will utilize their insights to guide our storytelling, news coverage, and the topics that matter most to you.

With this new group in place, we are eager to ensure that Focus continues to be a platform where voices from intersectional communities—often unserved or overlooked—are heard loud and clear. The CAG will help us stay connected to the real needs of the people we serve, providing invaluable input that keeps our coverage relevant, responsive, and responsible.

We are hopeful and resilient as we move forward, knowing that this change will strengthen our commitment to the community. The future of Focus® is bright, and we cannot wait to share the exciting new ideas our CAG will help bring to life.

INTRODUCTORY MEMBERS

Whitney Carter

Seth Davis

Tricia Dewey

Jenna Lee Dunn

Phillis Lewis

Susan Mackenzie

Kerry Jackson

Krista Wright Thayer

Vanessa Rodley

Shahin Samiei

William Smythe

Cary Vaughn

For more information about participating or to learn about the CAG, please feel free to reach out to us at info@focuslgbt.com. We look forward to hearing from you!