2024 Issue 1 Jan/Feb Focus - Mid-South Magazine
Focus Mid-South Magazine. January+February 2024 issue
Focus Mid-South Magazine. January+February 2024 issue
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Serving the <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong> LGBT+ Community and its Allies | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
FREE<br />
Creativity<br />
INSIDE THE NEW<br />
SHEET CAKE<br />
ART GALLERY<br />
QUEER AS<br />
IN BLACK<br />
IMAGINATION<br />
ADDRESS LABEL<br />
HIDE BEFORE<br />
PRINT FINAL<br />
TOMMY KHA<br />
ON ART AND TRUTH<br />
ON BEING FUNNY WITH<br />
ZEPHYR MCANINCH<br />
Q+A WITH OUR<br />
COVER ARTIST
Rediscover.<br />
Explore.<br />
Seek.<br />
Find.
BROWSE THE STORES IN LAURELWOOD.<br />
EXPECT TO BE IMPRESSED.<br />
Ami Austin Home<br />
Babcock Gifts<br />
Blu D'or Interiors<br />
Chico's<br />
Cotton Tails<br />
Dinstuhl's Fine Candy<br />
Company<br />
East Memphis Athletic Club<br />
Fleet Feet Sports<br />
Frost Bake Shop<br />
G Brady<br />
Heather<br />
Hot Yoga Plus<br />
J McLaughlin<br />
J. Jill<br />
James Davis<br />
Joseph<br />
Joseph Men<br />
King Furs & Fine Jewelry<br />
Kittie Kyle<br />
Libro<br />
Lori James Contemporary<br />
Boutique<br />
Nicole Barre Bridal Boutique<br />
Novel.<br />
Orvis<br />
Panera Bread<br />
Pavo Salon.Spa<br />
Pigtails & Crewcuts<br />
Restaurant Iris<br />
Sachi<br />
Sissy's Log Cabin<br />
Stovall Collection, Fine<br />
Stationery and Gifts<br />
Vignettes Interior Design<br />
ZupMed<br />
SPONSORED BY...<br />
POPLAR AVE @ GROVE PARK ROAD SOUTH<br />
/laurelwoodmemphis @ShopLaurelwood @shoplaurelwood<br />
LAURELWOODMEMPHIS.COM
from the editor<br />
the team<br />
MANAGING EDITOR<br />
Jasper Joyner<br />
(they/them)<br />
CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />
+ AD DESIGN<br />
Daphne Butler (she/her)<br />
DIGITAL MARKETING<br />
COORDINATOR<br />
Kelly Seagraves (she/they)<br />
DISTRIBUTION<br />
+ SUBSCRIPTIONS<br />
info@focusmidsouth.com<br />
Happy new year! We’re so excited to<br />
share with you all <strong>Focus</strong> has planned<br />
for <strong>2024</strong>. But first, let’s recap 2023.<br />
Last year, <strong>Focus</strong> shared 34,200 print<br />
issues around the city of Memphis!<br />
We had 1.56 million page views in<br />
2023! And many of you followed our<br />
newsletter, which featured a reader<br />
favorite highlighting all of the<br />
LGBTQ+ films at the 2023 Indie<br />
Memphis Film Festival.<br />
We celebrated our local LGBTQ<br />
community in a big way with the 8th<br />
Annual <strong>Focus</strong> Awards, shining a light<br />
on activists, artists and trailblazers in<br />
and around the <strong>Mid</strong>south. We also had<br />
the privilege of showcasing awesome<br />
queer writers and poets at our Prism<br />
Pages pop-up in <strong>Jan</strong>uary.<br />
In <strong>2024</strong>? <strong>Focus</strong> is all about<br />
community. Expect even more<br />
event-centered coverage both here in<br />
print and online that encourages<br />
everyone to connect in creative, fun<br />
and safe spaces. Follow our<br />
newsletter for biweekly event roundups,<br />
exclusive digital content, and<br />
local LGBTQ news.<br />
And also get ready, because we want<br />
to hear from you! Check out our Black<br />
History Month piece (page 26) on<br />
how to submit your LGBTQ+ events<br />
for possible print or digital coverage.<br />
As always, we’re constantly committed<br />
to sharing your inspiring stories,<br />
brilliant artwork, moving poetry and<br />
prose. And we cannot wait to share all<br />
of our awesome <strong>2024</strong> issue themes.<br />
Next issue is all about LGBTQ+ Nerds!<br />
As always, you can submit your ideas<br />
and art to <strong>Focus</strong> via the Editor email<br />
to your right.<br />
Thank you all for 2023. Now time for<br />
more in <strong>2024</strong>!<br />
Warmly,<br />
Jasper Joyner, Managing Editor<br />
OPERATIONS<br />
+ PROMOS<br />
Ray Rico (he/him)<br />
<strong>Focus</strong> ® <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong> is all about LGBT + people and their allies… their work, play,<br />
families, creativity, style, health and wealth, bodies and souls. Our focus is on you.<br />
<strong>Focus</strong> ® <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong> is published bi-monthly and distributed free throughout the<br />
greater <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong> area. <strong>Focus</strong> reserves the right to refuse to sell space for<br />
any advertisement the staff deems inappropriate for the publication. Press<br />
releases must be received by the first of the month for the following issue.<br />
All content of this magazine, including and without limitation to the design,<br />
advertisements, art, photos and editorial content, as well as the selection,<br />
coordination and arrangement thereof, is Copyright ©<strong>2024</strong>, <strong>Focus</strong> ® <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>.<br />
All Rights Reserved. No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted<br />
without the express written permission of the publisher. For a full list of our<br />
editorial and advertising policies, please visit focuslgbt.com/policies.<br />
PICK UP + GIVE FOCUS<br />
Pick up a copy of <strong>Focus</strong> ® <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong> at locations near you. Check out<br />
focuslgbt.com for the most up-to-date list of spots where the magazine is<br />
distributed. Want to carry <strong>Focus</strong> ® <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>? Call us at 901.800.1172 or email<br />
info@focuslgbt.com.<br />
Give a subscription to someone, or treat yourself. Yearly subscriptions are $25;<br />
subscribe on focuslgbt.com.<br />
Published by<br />
Ray Rico Freelance, LLC<br />
901.800.1172 | info@focuslgbt.com | focuslgbt.com<br />
STORIES: editor@focuslgbt.com<br />
BE PART OF THE MARCH+APRIL ISSUE<br />
NERD<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
+ FINANCE<br />
billing@rayricofreelance.com<br />
Deadline for story and advertising submission is <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 9, <strong>2024</strong><br />
4 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
FEATURED WRITERS IN THIS ISSUE<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
We rely on community contributors for <strong>Focus</strong> magazine news and stories.<br />
A huge thanks to these dedicated writers!<br />
Tricia Dewey<br />
(she/her)<br />
Tricia is a longtime Memphis transplant, who has grown to<br />
admire the ‘grit and grind.’ She is also a mom, wife, runner,<br />
reader, recovering lawyer, tree hugger, and ally.<br />
Minnassa Gabon<br />
(she/her)<br />
Minnassa Gabon is a <strong>South</strong>ern Californian now living in<br />
the <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>. She is the C.E.O. of Minnassa Wellness,<br />
a psychic intuitive, Reiki Master, and the Chair of<br />
OUTMemphis’ Senior Services.<br />
Chris Reeder Young, M.A.<br />
(she/her)<br />
Chris is an applied anthropologist and has<br />
lived in Memphis for 16 years.<br />
William Smythe<br />
(he/him)<br />
William is a local writer and poet. He has been<br />
published in multiple magazines, both online and<br />
in print, and works with the community creative<br />
workshop collective, Memphis Writers.<br />
Have a story that needs to be told? Pitch your story ideas to editor@focuslgbt.com<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 5
CONTENTS | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
5 CONTRIBUTORS<br />
7 THEME: CREATIVITY<br />
8 COMMUNITY<br />
Q+A with our awesome cover artist Shira Mae<br />
who creates in several mediums with a distinct<br />
focus on surrealism<br />
12 COMMUNITY<br />
A peek inside the new, queer-inclusive artist gallery<br />
Sheet Cake created by art curator Lauren Kennedy<br />
14 ORIGINAL MEMPHIS<br />
Our We Saw You OUT series documents proud<br />
LGBTQ locals. See if you spot yourself or a friend!<br />
20 LIFE<br />
Semi-autobiographical self-portraitist Tommy<br />
Kha’s book "Half, Full, Quarter" tells his story of<br />
art and truth<br />
26 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT<br />
Highlighting Black LGBTQ artists, joy and health with<br />
three great events this Black History Month<br />
28 COMMUNITY<br />
Writer and Poet William Smythe in conversation with<br />
Bluff City Liars’ Founder Zephyr McAninch<br />
30 LIFE<br />
Psychic intuitive Minnassa Gabon shares <strong>Jan</strong>uary and<br />
<strong>Feb</strong>ruary horoscope readings for every sign!<br />
34 LIFE<br />
United Way shares creative tips on how to<br />
be financially stable.<br />
38 ORIGINAL MEMPHIS<br />
Our crossword puzzle, How’s Your Gaydar?<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
Art by Shira Mae<br />
Find the story on page 8<br />
ON THIS PAGE<br />
Lauren Kennedy (r) at Sheet<br />
Cake Gallery general opening<br />
photo by Lucy Garrett<br />
Find the story on page 12<br />
6 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
theme<br />
Self portrait<br />
by Anthony Lorenzo<br />
Find the story on page 26.<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 7
community<br />
QA+<br />
with Our Cover Artist<br />
Shira<br />
photos courtesy of Shira Torrech<br />
The awesome art featured on our cover is by Shira Mae (they/them), a queer, Puerto Rican artist who creates in several<br />
mediums with a distinct focus on surreal illustrations. Shira enjoys expanding their illustrations to up-cycled clothing,<br />
hand-painted bags, jewelry & accessories, and even large-scale murals. Here’s a bit more about Shira’s artistic journey,<br />
and how they stay creative.<br />
How would you describe your art for someone who's<br />
never seen it before?<br />
My artwork is vibrant, prismatic, and surrealistic with<br />
deep connections to nature, people’s identities and<br />
emotions. My work is often described as psychedelic and<br />
compared to some of my favorite cartoons like Adventure<br />
Time and the work of Studio Ghibli.<br />
What inspires you as an artist?<br />
The world around me inspires me daily. Functional<br />
art has always been a medium that has sparked my<br />
interests, especially within the world of fashion. Fashion<br />
has inspired my art to exist beyond a piece of paper<br />
or canvas. I’m able to create a piece of art through the<br />
functionality of clothing or other accessories. Thrifting<br />
and up-cycling home goods has inspired me to be more<br />
conscious of what I make, as well. I find myself being<br />
inspired by other artists, both mutual and well known. I<br />
love watching cartoons and anime, I’m constantly inspired<br />
by the absurdity, vibrancy and emotions they provoke.<br />
This is where I find my work going in different directions,<br />
whether it be more expressive and playful in the way I<br />
8 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
create, or fundamentally simple. Through each fail and<br />
success, (I will not mention the ratio here) this multimedia<br />
journey leaves me more inspired to expound on my<br />
findings in different areas, starting a domino effect. I take<br />
in everything I can.<br />
You made an amazing mural as part of Paint Memphis, an<br />
annual mural festival. What was that experience like?<br />
It was possibly one of the most challenging, but<br />
rewarding experiences I’ve had this far in my art career.<br />
It was great to see so many artists given a platform to<br />
come together and add beautiful art to our city. The most<br />
challenging part was working at such a large scale. When<br />
I saw my wall in person the first time, a rush of excitement<br />
came over me, almost immediately followed by panic<br />
(I’m scared of heights). I arrived with a full sketch to use<br />
as a starting point on my projector, but due to some<br />
uncontrollable lighting I had to forget about using the<br />
projector entirely. So hoping for the best, I started blocking<br />
in paint, having to free-hand the entire piece. It was my<br />
first time using spray paint on a large scale, and I did it<br />
using a picture on my phone as a point of reference. Very<br />
thankful to the people who stopped by to hold my ladder,<br />
talk to me, and bring me more paint! Being an artist can<br />
be isolating, but the Memphis queer and art community<br />
always comes through, which really made things a little<br />
easier. I learned too many valuable lessons to count, and I<br />
am looking forward to my next mural!<br />
How would you say Memphis or the south has influenced<br />
your art, if at all?<br />
Having grown up in all parts of the country, born in<br />
Ocala, FL, the south has been the biggest influence on my<br />
art. Memphis is by far the most influential city I have lived<br />
in. This city’s creative community has been the most loving<br />
and accepting I have ever experienced. To have so many<br />
people & resources to support you, believe in you and<br />
push you to be the best artist you can be, is a gift. It wasn’t<br />
until I started my freshman fall semester at the University<br />
of Memphis that I started making art, and started to<br />
consider my true self an artist. There’s one professor in<br />
mind, Hamlett Dobbins, who made me feel like an artist<br />
and opened my mind to the world around me. Within<br />
this community I’ve made some lifelong friends and have<br />
been given many great opportunities. Even now living in<br />
Chicago, Memphis and the artists within inspire my work<br />
everyday.<br />
What does creativity mean to you?<br />
To me, creativity means to create art out of your comfort<br />
zone. To challenge oneself and to learn is to be creative. No<br />
matter what form that art may exist in, whether it is food,<br />
a potted plant, a book, a sketch, etc. To put something<br />
out in the world that you can’t take back, is to be creative.<br />
Exploring different worlds of creativity motivates me<br />
and makes me want to learn more skills. I love trying new<br />
techniques and working in different mediums. Throughout<br />
the years I’ve expanded my art through jewelry making,<br />
polymer clay, screen printing, block printing, sewing, hand<br />
painting purses/bags and clothing. The list goes on…<br />
Anything you’d like to share with our readers about your<br />
work?<br />
All of my work, whether for sale or not, lives on my<br />
website, shiramae.studio. If you’re in Memphis, you can<br />
visit some of my murals around the city including: the<br />
exam rooms and offices of Choices Reproductive Health<br />
Clinic in <strong>Mid</strong>town, 901 Community Fridges (that provide<br />
free food in food deserts of Memphis) located at 885 S<br />
Highland St (Trinity Church), Planeta 777 in Broad Ave<br />
Arts District, and my Paint Memphis mural located at 628<br />
Madison Ave. You can also find me popping up at Memphis<br />
<strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong> Pride in June. It’ll be my 3rd year in a row! Love<br />
you, Memphis!!!<br />
Follow Shira Mae at @shiramaestudio for more art,<br />
merch, discount codes and frequent updates.<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 9
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Get all your LGBT+ content online at focuslgbt.com<br />
10 Go! | focuslgbt.com
community<br />
Sheet Cake, Where<br />
Everyone Gets a Slice<br />
Inside the New Sheet Cake Art Gallery<br />
by Chris Reeder Young, M.A.<br />
12 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
Endlessly creative and equitable<br />
art goddess Lauren Kennedy has<br />
opened an art gallery called Sheet<br />
Cake, where everyone gets a slice.<br />
Sheet Cake Gallery opening<br />
photo by Lucy Garrett<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 13
Tell our readers a little bit<br />
about the landscape of<br />
your life before opening<br />
up Sheet Cake Gallery.<br />
I received a BA in Art<br />
History from Rhodes<br />
College in 2008, and my<br />
love for art goes back<br />
even further than that,<br />
digging into art books<br />
at Books-A-Million with<br />
my dad as a kid. I've<br />
been very fortunate to<br />
work in several different<br />
positions in the arts since<br />
I graduated from college.<br />
These include the Nasher<br />
Sculpture Museum, Dallas<br />
Art Fair, Ballet Memphis<br />
and most recently serving<br />
as the Director of the<br />
UrbanArt Commission. I<br />
had a very uncommercial<br />
gallery project in my<br />
apartment for about five<br />
years called <strong>South</strong>fork that<br />
gave me so much during<br />
that time. I am pulling from<br />
each of those experiences<br />
in opening Sheet Cake and<br />
will be forever grateful for<br />
opportunities that have<br />
been presented to me and<br />
for taking those as far as<br />
I can.<br />
What inspired you to start<br />
Sheet Cake?<br />
I have had people ask<br />
me for years if I ever<br />
wanted to open my own<br />
gallery, but the thought<br />
was always too daunting<br />
to really consider. Then I<br />
was really thinking about<br />
what came after my time<br />
at UAC, and I think both<br />
my experience building<br />
and the responses to the<br />
Memphis International<br />
Airport art collection made<br />
me wake up and think...<br />
Could I really do this?<br />
I have had some<br />
incredible people<br />
championing me in this<br />
endeavor from the very<br />
beginning and pushing<br />
me to make it real for<br />
myself, the artists, and for<br />
Memphis. Sheet Cake to<br />
me is an invitation. It has<br />
been so important to me<br />
from the beginning that<br />
this space feels warm,<br />
welcoming and accessible.<br />
And the name and<br />
branding for the gallery<br />
had to be the first place to<br />
encounter that vibe. The<br />
art world can take itself so<br />
seriously a lot of the time,<br />
and that's just not really<br />
my jam. A sheet cake is<br />
an inelegant but always<br />
comforting experience<br />
to me. The name actually<br />
hit me at a concert after<br />
weeks and weeks of back<br />
and forth in person and in<br />
a group text with some of<br />
my closest friends. It just<br />
felt right, come on in and<br />
have a slice of something<br />
sweet!<br />
I also knew early on that<br />
I wanted to land in the<br />
Edge District. There are<br />
some incredible resources<br />
and support in this area<br />
thanks to the good folks<br />
at the Memphis Medical<br />
District Collaborative<br />
and Downtown Memphis.<br />
They helped me at every<br />
step of the way. There is<br />
so much good stuff over<br />
here that has come up<br />
over the last few years,<br />
and there's more good<br />
things on the way.<br />
Which artists and what<br />
types of art can visitors<br />
expect to see at Sheet<br />
Cake?<br />
Sheet Cake is very proud<br />
to work with a group of 14<br />
very different and exciting<br />
artists in the first year.<br />
Lauren Kennedy.<br />
photo by Houston Cofield<br />
A sheet cake is an<br />
inelegant but always<br />
comforting experience to<br />
me. It just felt right, come<br />
on in and have a slice of<br />
something sweet!<br />
Sheet Cake Interior.<br />
photo courtesy of Chris Reeder Young, M.A.<br />
14 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
Brittney Boyd Bullock, Gloria. Yarn, fiber,<br />
cording, thread, sequins, 38" x 38". 2023<br />
Interior of Sheet Cake gallery, courtesy of Chris Reeder Young, M.A.<br />
More images available at sheetcakegallery.com/pages/<br />
artists, courtesy Sheet Cake Art Gallery<br />
The focus of the gallery<br />
is on artists based in and<br />
connected to the regional<br />
<strong>South</strong>, intentionally<br />
celebrating women, queer<br />
artists, and artists of color.<br />
There is a big range in<br />
terms of subject matter,<br />
approach, and aesthetics<br />
that feels really energizing<br />
to me. Everybody is<br />
bringing something special<br />
to the table. I think this<br />
first show, Welcome In,<br />
really highlights that and<br />
hopefully makes people<br />
feel excited for what’s<br />
to come. About half of<br />
these artists are based in<br />
Memphis and the other half<br />
are coming from Atlanta,<br />
Knoxville, New York,<br />
Houston and Greenville. I<br />
very much want to support<br />
the work being made here<br />
and introduce artists in<br />
other cities to Memphis.<br />
Who inspires you?<br />
In no particular order:<br />
Dolly Parton, Daryl<br />
Hannah's character from<br />
Steel Magnolias (before<br />
she finds Jesus), Louise<br />
Bourgeois' “Sunday<br />
Salons,” Derek Fordjour, my<br />
grandma, my baby girl, and<br />
the artists in Welcome In.<br />
What do you hope Sheet<br />
Cake does for Memphis?<br />
I hope that Sheet Cake<br />
feeds the arts ecosystem<br />
in an important way by<br />
providing space for artists<br />
to show work, for Memphis<br />
to encounter new art<br />
and ideas, and for folks<br />
outside of Memphis to see<br />
that there are incredible<br />
things coming from this<br />
place. Baked into Sheet<br />
Cake is a loving demand<br />
for your attention and<br />
acknowledgement that the<br />
<strong>South</strong> and Memphis are<br />
more than what you think<br />
they are.<br />
In a city where difficult<br />
pieces of news run across<br />
our phones, how can<br />
Sheet Cake be a reprieve<br />
for us?<br />
Memphis is many, many<br />
things, and the local and<br />
national news coverage<br />
of crime here isn't it. I<br />
think Sheet Cake is an<br />
opportunity to celebrate<br />
what makes this place and<br />
our region special and fills<br />
our cups up when other<br />
things drain them.<br />
Why is art important?<br />
Art is everything! It's how<br />
we will be remembered!<br />
It feeds us, makes us ask<br />
questions, reflects our<br />
very different experiences<br />
moving through the world,<br />
keeps things interesting<br />
and weird, and inspires all<br />
the emotions.<br />
Who would you like<br />
to thank as part of the<br />
creation of this gallery<br />
vision?<br />
There are so many<br />
people to thank that I<br />
feel like it could be this<br />
entire article; but, I want<br />
to specifically thank my<br />
incredible family and<br />
friends who have held me<br />
together and stepped in to<br />
tend bar, get ice, babysit,<br />
and everything in between.<br />
Of course, I want to show<br />
gratitude for the artists<br />
in this first show—none of<br />
this would be real if they<br />
didn't do what they do.<br />
I'm getting teary-eyed<br />
thinking about all of these<br />
loving folks.<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 15
original memphis<br />
We saw you OUT<br />
We love finding our people out in the wild! If FOCUS has stopped by to say hello to you while at<br />
any of the great LGBTQ events here in Memphis, odds are we’ve asked to document your good<br />
time. See if you spot yourself, a friend, or someone you’d like to get to know!<br />
16 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 17
18 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
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<strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 19
life<br />
Tommy Kha<br />
Half, Full, Quarter<br />
Semi-autobiographical self-portraitist Tommy Kha’s book<br />
Half, Full, Quarter tells his story of art and truth<br />
by Tricia Dewey<br />
I think Ocean Vuong<br />
says it best, which<br />
is ‘start with truth<br />
and end with art.’<br />
20 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
I think what<br />
Memphis does<br />
affects the country,<br />
that coming<br />
together, not just<br />
in support, but<br />
that interaction,<br />
and just the<br />
togetherness, that<br />
community inaction.<br />
I hope that<br />
other people feel<br />
that and receive<br />
that.<br />
Photographer Tommy Kha has been described as a semi-autobiographical selfportraitist.<br />
What is that, you might ask? His book, Tommy Kha: Half, Full, Quarter,<br />
published in <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 2023, answers that question. It contains many of these selfportraits,<br />
at times with his mother, and in different, surprising compositions, or in the form<br />
of cardboard cutouts of different sizes and contours.<br />
Half, Full, Quarter was a joint venture with nonprofit publisher the Aperture Foundation<br />
and other groups, as well as part of Kha’s 2021 Next Step Award, which supports U.S.-<br />
based artists with attention to equity and presenting diverse opinions “at critical junctures<br />
in their artistic development.” An exhibition, Ghost Bites, affiliated with the award opened<br />
in <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 2023 at the Camera Club of New York on Baxter Street. Kha lives in New York<br />
and Memphis, teaches at the Parsons School of Design, and has an exhibition coming up<br />
in March <strong>2024</strong> at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.<br />
Kha describes his new book as five intertwined bodies of work. It’s a survey of ideas<br />
he’s been working on the last few years that include photographs taken by his mother,<br />
May Kha, in the 1980s. The end of Half, Full, Quarter contains collages that were added<br />
toward the final part of Kha’s process. He played with them to try to reiterate the cutout<br />
gestures that appear in the book’s main body of work called “Facades.” That section<br />
is basically pictures of his cutout form, cardboard standings, and the insert of the 3D<br />
printed mask of his face. Another section of the book, “<strong>South</strong>ern Portraits,” is composed<br />
almost entirely of photographs set in Memphis, as are the photographs in the section<br />
titled “Semi-self-portraits.”<br />
These many themes at work in Tommy Kha’s photography rhyme with his observations<br />
about creativity. He says, “To be creative, to create, are almost synonymous to being an<br />
archivist, activist, historian, artist, archaeologist, hunter, gatherer, an exorcist, a medium.<br />
But I think Ocean Vuong says it best, which is ‘start with truth and end with art.’”<br />
That art and truth for Kha start with his Memphis background. Kha grew up in<br />
Whitehaven. He went to Graceland Elementary, and graduated from Memphis College<br />
of Art in 2011, before getting his MFA from Yale in 2013. “Memphis is not just this kind of<br />
subject matter for me,” says Kha, “It appears in my work. It's in the background of some<br />
of my photographs. It’s where I experienced the majority of my life. It played a really<br />
big role. So there's a bit of anxiety and attempts at understanding that happens when I<br />
come home. My family still lives in Memphis. I feel like I'm more of a part-time person or<br />
Memphis expat being out in the world, but I always try to find things that remind me of<br />
home. I'm looking for something familiar, something that kind of echoes that feeling.”<br />
Kha was working on Half, Full, Quarter in 2020 when he was invited to submit a<br />
work to the UrbanArt Commission for the Terminal B reopening art gallery display at<br />
Memphis International Airport to be featured with other artists who grew up or worked<br />
in Memphis. Kha was originally excited about this as a native Memphian, as well as<br />
the opportunity to be shown alongside his teachers and mentors. His initial proposal,<br />
though, was rejected. Closer to summer 2021, UrbanArt and the airport requested his<br />
art to be shown in <strong>Jan</strong>uary 2022. The photograph, titled “Constellations VIII,” depicts a<br />
cardboard cutout of Kha in a 1970’s Elvis jumpsuit amidst what appears to be a 1960’s<br />
era kitchen. Kha made the photograph in 2017 and it had been on a billboard in LA and<br />
on the cover of Vice magazine.<br />
Kha’s photograph was on display in Terminal B for about a month before he began to<br />
get messages from UrbanArt and airport officials about negative comments about the<br />
work on Facebook, some of which included racist complaints. Kha says there were some<br />
unhappy Elvis fans who had a lot to say about his photograph. Kha met with airport<br />
officials alongside the UrbanArt Commission over Zoom and there was an agreement to<br />
discuss the situation further. He requested to be informed if there were talks about taking<br />
the work down. Unfortunately, those further talks did not happen, and that weekend the<br />
photograph was removed. “It feels really crappy to have your work taken down,” said Kha,<br />
“The piece, the first print, was destroyed. It was on vinyl. There was a reason why I asked<br />
to be told if it was going to be removed. There was a way to save it in some way.”<br />
Soon, supporters of the piece began to speak out and a campaign in favor of returning<br />
Kha’s art grew across social media. Kha says, “I guess people were expecting me to say<br />
something publicly. So I ended up posting on Instagram about my work being taken<br />
down.” The UrbanArts Commission also posted on Instagram in favor of reinstalling the<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 21
22 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
To be creative, to<br />
create, are almost<br />
synonymous<br />
to being an<br />
archivist, activist,<br />
historian, artist,<br />
archaeologist,<br />
hunter, gatherer,<br />
an exorcist, a<br />
medium.<br />
piece. Within two days, the piece was reprinted and reinstalled.<br />
At the time of the incident, Kha was more concerned with the attention taken away<br />
from the other 60-plus artists in the show. He said, “I think it's important to walk through<br />
and appreciate the work of all types of people, each artist representing a bit of that.<br />
That's what I choose to focus on.”<br />
Kha also felt that if people had looked into the context of his work and of that piece,<br />
they would realize that it was very much in keeping with the body of his other work and<br />
his interest in Elvis, as well as Elvis tribute artists.<br />
Kha spent most of the following months taking a break from social media. He was<br />
exhausted by the controversy and by people contacting him about it. “On one hand it<br />
worked out for me, but I don't want people to see just that it worked out for me, but how<br />
do we prevent this from happening again?”<br />
There is some history in Memphis of controversy around public art, like Birdcap’s<br />
2016 mural as part of the Memphis Heritage Trail project in collaboration with artist<br />
Derrick Dent. Located on the side of the downtown Memphis MLGW building,<br />
Birdcap, also known as Michael Roy’s mural, received criticism for “Black Lives Matter<br />
affiliations” and was in danger of being removed by the city of Memphis if not for<br />
significant backlash on social media. Kha wants there to be a safety net to prevent this<br />
kind of controversy from resulting in censorship. He looks forward to workshops with<br />
public art directors and lawyers in the arts, and to have workshops about professional<br />
development and handling contracts. “I’m thinking of small gestures trying to redirect<br />
the conversation in more productive ways,” said Kha.<br />
Kha says that the unwanted attention also detracted from Tennessee passing anti-trans<br />
bills and other important topics during the time of the art controversy. “Those are real<br />
conversations and real policies that I feel are urgently important to talk about: gun safety,<br />
how not to be fearful, how do you heal as a community, talk about difficult things without<br />
apprehension, without being yelled at. That's what I think we are capable of. And I think I<br />
want to say that the community response to the airport controversy was one of the most<br />
beautiful things. I think what Memphis does affects the country, that coming together not<br />
just in support, but that interaction, and just the togetherness, that community in action.<br />
Yeah, I really hope that for others. I hope that other people feel that and receive that.”<br />
all photos courtesy of Tommy Kha<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 23
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arts+entertainment<br />
Queer as<br />
in Black<br />
Creativity<br />
Shorin, TONE Programming Director<br />
photo by Anthony Lorenzo<br />
by <strong>Focus</strong> Team<br />
This Black History Month, LGBTQ artists and advocates<br />
celebrate Memphis creativity with art, defiance, and<br />
prioritizing wellness. Queer up your Black History<br />
Month with these three local events that highlight Black<br />
LGBTQ artists, joy and vastness with purpose and so<br />
much intention.<br />
Thang Nguyen by Anthony Lorenzo<br />
What's Your<br />
Favorite Color<br />
at TONE<br />
TONE is rooted in Black art and community.<br />
Born in Orange Mound, the first Black<br />
community built solely by and for Black people,<br />
this Memphis arts organization has celebrated<br />
local art, music and community since 2015.<br />
TONE’s new show continues its tradition of<br />
highlighting Black artists in its pro-Black,<br />
queer-inclusive gallery space.<br />
The gallery opens <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 5, 4-7pm at<br />
TONE Gallery in Orange Mound, 2234<br />
Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114. Head to<br />
tonememphis.org or follow @tonememphis<br />
on Instagram for updates.<br />
Paul’s portrait by Anthony Lorenzo<br />
Self portraits by Anthony Lorenzo<br />
26 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
Self portrait, Joi Purvy - Defy<br />
curator and Arrow Creative Program<br />
Coordinator, courtesy Joi Purvy<br />
DEFY<br />
at Arrow Creative<br />
Creative arts district, Arrow, is hosting a Black<br />
History Month gallery called DEFY.<br />
DEFY explores Black joy as resistance and<br />
offers artists ample space and safety to express<br />
that. In its opening night, defiance takes on<br />
many different mediums from paintings,<br />
photography, live poetry readings and more—<br />
featuring queer artists like photographer<br />
Anthony Lorenzo and multidisciplinary artist<br />
Tangela Mathis.<br />
DEFY’s opening show is <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 8 at<br />
5:30pm at Arrow Creative in <strong>Mid</strong>town, 653<br />
Philadelphia St, Memphis, TN 38104. Follow<br />
@memphisarrowcreative on Instagram or<br />
check or arrowcreative.org for updates.<br />
Interior shots of Arrow Creative<br />
photo by Erica Haskett<br />
Cooper Community Center<br />
photo courtesy of OUTMemphis<br />
Black History Month<br />
Wellness Fair<br />
at OUTMemphis<br />
Black queer creativity requires rest for<br />
resistance, and prioritizing mental health. This<br />
Black History Month, nonprofit OUTMemphis<br />
plans to help fulfill that need with a fair focused<br />
on Black LGBTQ health, highlighting Blackowned<br />
businesses and organizations with a<br />
specific focus on wellness and wellbeing.<br />
Black History Month Wellness Fair <strong>Feb</strong>ruary<br />
22, 3:30-7:30PM, location TBA. Follow<br />
OUTMemphis on Instagram or check out their<br />
website outmemphis.org for updates.<br />
The Metamorphosis Project Building<br />
photo courtesy of OUTMemphis<br />
Want to be featured in our print or digital magazine?<br />
Fill out the form in our Instagram bio at @focusmidsouth,<br />
or send an email to editor@focuslgbt.com. We want to<br />
hear from you!<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 27
community<br />
It’s Funny You<br />
Mention That<br />
Bluff City Liars' founder Zephyr McAninch talks<br />
improv, theatre and community<br />
by William Smythe<br />
I first met Zephyr McAninch in a writing group created by a mutual friend of ours. During<br />
the middle of the pandemic, most of us creative-minded folk sought a way to stay creative<br />
outside of work. I had published some poetry in a few online spaces and performed at<br />
open mics, sure. But I had been nervous about joining the group since I was new to the<br />
writing world of Memphis. Never had someone in my field affirmed that I belonged here, in<br />
this creative space, until Zephyr.<br />
If I remember correctly, I had said something out loud about my nervousness. Zephyr<br />
McAninch quickly responded, "Oh, are we supposed to be big deals? No one told me. I<br />
would have worn something fancier."<br />
Their joke immediately eased all the tension I might have felt among my peers. I felt<br />
welcomed and embraced and I think that’s something that makes any creative circle work<br />
well—when it makes you feel welcomed right away. I feel the same way at Zephyr's improv<br />
shows with their troupe, The Bluff City Liars.<br />
Each show I attended was majestically performed and riotously funny. In one of their<br />
Christmas shows, the entire troupe acted out a tree decorating scene using all audience<br />
suggestions. I remember suggesting the troupe build a tree, something I used to do with<br />
my grandfather. In my head, I meant building a store-bought fake spruce. Zephyr took my<br />
ideas in another direction: woodworking. They began to mime a workbench and all the<br />
necessary tools. Zephyr then pretended to fashion some strange shape cobbled together<br />
by awkward blocks where the tree was too tall for one spot and too short for the other.<br />
It was magical seeing my suggestion masterfully molded into something unexpected by<br />
another person’s creative mind.<br />
But, I digress. Let’s let Zephyr McAninch explain the real magic of improv themselves.<br />
28 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
Left: Zephyr McAninch. Center: a performance featuring ‘Heels,’ Right: a general shot of the show. Background: Zephyr while they MC.<br />
Theater is definitely queer, for sure. Here's a<br />
space where you can be anyone or anything<br />
you want, and everyone is there to witness it<br />
with you in a positive environment.<br />
What got you into improv?<br />
I guess I just can’t stop<br />
thinking of quips. No, but,<br />
honestly, I watched a lot of<br />
Whose Line Is it Anyway<br />
when I was younger. I<br />
especially loved watching<br />
Ryan Stiles. His quick wit<br />
made it look so effortless<br />
you start to think you<br />
can do it, too. In college, I<br />
auditioned for an improv<br />
troupe and joined thinking it<br />
could be a fun hobby. Then<br />
when I started learning<br />
about the craft and theory<br />
of it, I ended up taking it<br />
seriously. It became really<br />
special to me.<br />
Something that I<br />
appreciate about improv is<br />
that it's all happening right<br />
now, in the moment. Sure,<br />
you can record a sketch, or<br />
write a joke. But improv has<br />
a special intimacy, for the<br />
audience and yourself. The<br />
idea that you’re creating a<br />
moment that only exists for<br />
the both of you right then,<br />
and then it’s gone forever.<br />
The ephemerality of it can<br />
be beautiful, but it can also<br />
be a little tragic.<br />
God, I have to agree with<br />
you there. Although, I<br />
suppose it has been difficult<br />
running a troupe, too?<br />
It was much easier in<br />
college since everyone<br />
was all in the same space<br />
essentially, with fewer<br />
responsibilities. It's gotten<br />
harder in adulthood now<br />
that life gets in the way.<br />
But, once people get<br />
here [Zephyr’s house], it<br />
does become effortless<br />
again. Of course, it needs<br />
to be worth their time, so<br />
another issue is making<br />
sure we’re doing exercises<br />
that are accessible but<br />
challenging. You want<br />
people to enjoy what<br />
they’re doing, but take<br />
something meaningful<br />
away from it. And another<br />
struggle is that when one<br />
person leaves, sometimes<br />
it can be like losing a loadbearing<br />
wall. The group<br />
dynamic is unique to the<br />
players present. There’s a<br />
saying, “Acting is reacting.”<br />
You have to react to<br />
what the people on stage<br />
with you give you in that<br />
moment, and you’ve got to<br />
trust each other implicitly.<br />
So any changes to that<br />
camaraderie can usually<br />
be felt.<br />
Why do you think the<br />
theater is so popular<br />
among queer people? Is it<br />
because it’s a space where<br />
you can express yourself<br />
much more fully?<br />
Theater is definitely queer,<br />
for sure. And I suppose<br />
improv can serve as neutral<br />
ground for people to act<br />
queer. It has a nice fluidity<br />
to it. In that regard, I<br />
suppose it can be attractive<br />
to queer folks who feel<br />
marginalized for who they<br />
are, and then, well, here's<br />
a space where you can be<br />
anyone or anything you<br />
want, and everyone is there<br />
to witness it with you in a<br />
positive environment. That<br />
aspect can certainly be<br />
alluring.<br />
Catch the Bluff City<br />
Liars show “Love Dies”<br />
on Friday, <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 2 and<br />
Saturday, <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 3 at<br />
8pm at TheatreWorks in<br />
Overton Square. Follow<br />
@bluffcityliars for more<br />
show updates!<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 29
life<br />
Minnassa Wellness<br />
HOROSCOPES<br />
Psychic intuitive, Minnassa Gabon, shares her<br />
astrology readings to jump start your <strong>2024</strong><br />
30 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
CAPRICORN - DEC 22, 2023 - JAN 20, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Element: Earth<br />
Quality: Cardinal<br />
Ruling Planet: Saturn<br />
Traits: Ambitious, practical, persistent,<br />
and sensitive #overachievers<br />
New Moon in Capricorn:<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>uary 11, <strong>2024</strong><br />
AQUARIUS - JAN 21 - FEB 19, <strong>2024</strong><br />
Element: Air<br />
Quality: Fixed<br />
Ruling Planet: Uranus<br />
Traits: Progressive, independent,<br />
intelligent, and idealistic #crazyaquarius<br />
New Moon in Aquarius:<br />
<strong>Feb</strong>ruary 9, <strong>2024</strong><br />
CREATIVITY<br />
TAP INTO YOUR INNER AQUARIUS<br />
Happy New Year! This year tap into the creativity of your inner Aquarius. Don’t join a gym to lose<br />
weight (again). Follow your crazy Aquarius self and take a pole, burlesque, or ecstatic dance class. Don’t<br />
go on a diet (again). Allow your Aquarius side to lead you to the international aisle and/or the international<br />
market and give your palate some new and exotic meals. <strong>2024</strong> is an 8 year which corresponds to the<br />
Strength tarot card. Allow your inner strength to guide you into new and creative ways to be, move, and<br />
groove this year.<br />
MINNASSA WELLNESS Mindfulness in the Workplace<br />
@MinnassaWellness Subscribe to my YouTube Channel<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com | Creativity 31
ASTROLOGY FOR ALL SIGNS<br />
ARIES<br />
(Fire-Cardinal)<br />
You are usually a go-getter. However, use these<br />
opening months of <strong>2024</strong> to set your long term<br />
vision—5/10/15 year plan. Dream Big!<br />
TAURUS<br />
(Earth-Fixed)<br />
Get your mind on your money and your money on<br />
your mind. Use these early months of the year to get<br />
focused on your money, wealth, and prosperity.<br />
GEMINI<br />
(Air-Mutable)<br />
This year, drop living up to others’ expectations. Let it go.<br />
This is the year you stop running yourself into the ground.<br />
Self care is your mode for the beginning of <strong>2024</strong>!<br />
CANCER<br />
(Water-Cardinal)<br />
Level up your connection to your emotions. Your<br />
feelings are your superpowers! Step in the flow of your<br />
feelings and allow them to guide you outside of your<br />
comfort zone.<br />
LEO<br />
(Fire-Fixed)<br />
Stop doing too much. Put down your burdens! Spend<br />
these first two months of the year connecting to your<br />
inner fire–burn away what no longer serves you and<br />
move forward with verve!<br />
VIRGO<br />
(Earth-Mutable)<br />
Time to level up financially. Get out of your head and<br />
into the game of life. Take the horse by the reins and<br />
move forward. You don’t have to know the full path to<br />
begin moving forward.<br />
LIBRA<br />
(Air-Cardinal)<br />
You have the power to stop working against your best<br />
interest. It’s simple dear Libra; a change of perspective<br />
and direction will set you on the right path. .<br />
SCORPIO<br />
(Water-Fixed)<br />
You still have options. Change your focus from what<br />
did not work, and look for those places and spaces<br />
where things went well; move forward from this space.<br />
SAGITTARIUS<br />
(Fire-Mutable)<br />
Stand your ground. You are on the right path. Don’t<br />
allow challenges, changes, and other people’s<br />
opinions to throw you off your path.<br />
CAPRICORN<br />
(Earth-Cardinal)<br />
During your season, position yourself to increase your<br />
abundance. It may mean moving away, or changing<br />
jobs. Make your next move with confidence.<br />
AQUARIUS<br />
(Air-Fixed)<br />
Step out of the cage you have put yourself in. Give<br />
yourself the birthday gift of freedom. Now is the time<br />
to drop the pretense and set yourself free!<br />
PISCES<br />
(Water-Mutable)<br />
It’s ok to remember the past fondly, just don’t get<br />
stuck there. Stand in this present moment, and smell<br />
the roses. The path is clear and bright. Move forward!<br />
Mindfulness in the Workplace<br />
@MinnassaWellness<br />
* These horoscopes are for entertainment and inspirational purposes only.<br />
<br />
32 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
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1474 MADISON AVE.<br />
MEMPHIS, TN<br />
WWW.DRUSBAR.COM<br />
HOURS:<br />
WED. . . . 5P -1 2A<br />
THURS-SAT. . . . 5P - 2A<br />
SUNDAY. . . . 1P - 8P
life<br />
What does it take to be<br />
financially stable?<br />
Creative solutions help <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>erners thrive<br />
Special to <strong>Focus</strong> <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong><br />
People across Memphis and Shelby County continue to<br />
struggle financially as we deal with skyrocketing housing<br />
costs, rising grocery prices, a soft job market, and more.<br />
At United Way of the <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>, we know that people who<br />
are working hard to get ahead can still be falling behind.<br />
The reality is that everyone has dreams, but many of us<br />
need a little help to move from where they are to where<br />
they dream to be.<br />
GET CONNECTED TO THE HELP YOU NEED<br />
Truly helping people move ahead takes collaboration,<br />
cooperation, and creative solutions. In Memphis alone,<br />
there are hundreds of nonprofits working to support the<br />
community, and yet it is an overwhelming challenge for<br />
people to navigate across multiple agencies to access<br />
help. That’s why we’re working on behalf of thousands<br />
of individuals and families. For the first time, we’ve built<br />
a network of independent agencies, creating “single<br />
door” access to services many people don’t even know<br />
are available. There’s no need for them to search for<br />
help and tell their story over and over. At United Way of<br />
the <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>’s Driving The Dream, participants tell us<br />
their immediate need, but then we ask a critical question:<br />
“What else do you need?” Driving The Dream connects<br />
participants to all the resources available, such as:<br />
housing and utility assistance, job training, transportation,<br />
employment, financial management, nutrition, healthcare,<br />
and more! With over 130 agencies in our network of care,<br />
help is only a phone call away; helping people achieve their<br />
dreams!<br />
FREE TAX PREP<br />
For many people, getting ahead means watching every<br />
dollar, and tax season is a great time to start planning for<br />
your financial future. Make it a New Year’s resolution to<br />
have your taxes prepared for FREE and maximize your<br />
refund. Free Tax Prep is the place to start. Last year, Free<br />
Tax Prep saved nearly 10,000 <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>erners over $2.1<br />
million in filing fees. And with over $11 million in refunds,<br />
local households had extra cash for savings, paying bills, or<br />
reducing debt.<br />
Free Tax Prep is available to households that earned<br />
$64,000 or less in 2023. In partnership with the IRS, Free<br />
Tax Prep provides trained volunteers at locations across<br />
the <strong>Mid</strong>-<strong>South</strong>. Our tax-preparers help you take advantage<br />
of all the deductions and tax credits that you qualify for,<br />
including the Earned Income Tax Credit. Single-person<br />
households and families can maximize their refund, keep<br />
all their money, and pay no fees. It’s easy to make an<br />
appointment or walk-in at your convenience. After you sign<br />
your return, it only takes a few days to have your refund<br />
directly deposited to your bank account.<br />
Here’s what people are<br />
saying about United Way’s<br />
Free Tax Prep:<br />
"Free Tax Prep allows me to feel confident that my taxes<br />
are being filed correctly. The best part is this is free, and<br />
I get the chance to learn more information about United<br />
Way’s services for me."<br />
Natalie S., Memphis<br />
"Free Tax Prep lets me keep money in my pocket to pay<br />
for things my family needs. It’s a quick and easy process<br />
and an accurate and trustworthy experience."<br />
Lora P., Millington<br />
"I love the way our tax preparer explained everything to<br />
us and answered so many questions. I like knowing all my<br />
documents are safe. It makes my life so much easier."<br />
Royce T., Memphis<br />
Free Tax Prep Opens on <strong>Jan</strong>uary 22. Call 2-1-1 to find a<br />
location near you or scan here for information.<br />
34 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
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<strong>Focus</strong><br />
on healing.<br />
We’ve got<br />
everything else.<br />
We offer a wide range of services, so your family<br />
is assured of receiving the choices you need.<br />
3774 Summer Ave. • Memphis, TN 38122<br />
(901) 458-8575 • midsouthmortuary.com<br />
3788 Summer Ave. | Memphis, TN 38122<br />
(901) 454-5795 | highpointchapel.com<br />
COMMITMENT, COMPASSION, VALUE, HONESTY & PROFESSIONALISM<br />
thepumpingstationmemphis.com<br />
FREE POOL Every Monday<br />
TACOS! TACOS! TACOS!<br />
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PUP NITE Third Tuesdays<br />
LEATHER NIGHT Every 3rd Saturday<br />
UNDERWEAR NIGHT Every 4th Saturday<br />
NEW FOOD MENU ITEMS!<br />
901.272.7600 1382 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN, 38104<br />
HOURS Mon-Sat 5p-3a; Sun 3p-3a<br />
Follow Us for Updates<br />
* The Pumping Station is a 21+ only bar and smoking is allowed only in the Backdoor Lounge.<br />
NO COVER<br />
Photo: ©iStock/PIKSEL. Model not real Planned Parenthood patient.<br />
GET SERIOUS<br />
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Take care of yourself and each other.<br />
Talk about safer sex and HIV prevention—<br />
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How's Your Gaydar?<br />
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understand<br />
38 Creativity | <strong>Jan</strong>+<strong>Feb</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
WE IMPACT COMMUNITIES<br />
BY DRIVING RESULTS.<br />
We are a multicultural and diverse agency producing<br />
meaningful work for our communities in Memphis and beyond.<br />
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FocalPointCrosstown.com | 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 264 | 901.252.3670