Nominations

The Focus Awards are the Mid-South’s premier awards for recognizing LGBT+ persons and allies who are making a significant impact on the LGBT community through their leadership, career achievements and personal qualities, and who also inspire others to excel.

Awards Categories

People’s Choice Award

An LGBT person or ally of any age. Nominations will be submitted online. Top vote-getters will be sent to a panel of judges for the final determination of the winner.
Nominations close July 15, 2023

Champion of the Year

An LGBT person or ally of any age. Nominations will be submitted online. Top vote-getters will be sent to a panel of judges for the final determination of the winner.

Heart of Gold Award

This award is presented to an outstanding business or organization that exemplifies values aligned with the Focus mission. This person is selected by Focus staff for their devotion over the past year to advancing the city.

Trailblazer Award

The award is presented to youth or group, or organization that sets a foundation for LGBT+ community. This person is selected by Focus staff for their devotion over the past year to advancing the city.

Entertainer of the Year

This award is given to an artistic entertainer in the community who has exemplified a sense of mentorship and exuberance for the Memphis arts scene. This person is selected by Focus staff for their devotion over the past year to advancing the city.

Legacy Award

An organization, person, or community recognized for leaving a lasting and historical impression on our community. Our Publisher and staff award this high honor.

Publisher’s Award

An organization, person, or community recognized for their extraordinary work within the community that has impacted the brand as a whole. This honor is awarded exclusively by the Publisher.

Awards Categories

The Visionary Award

Awarded to an LGBT person aged 30 or older whose work has created opportunities, or will have long-lasting benefits in the Mid-South LGBT community.

The Allie Award

An ally of any age whose work has created opportunities, or will have long-lasting benefits in the Mid-South LGBT community.

The Trailblazer Award

Awarded to an LGBT person aged 30 or younger whose work has created opportunities, or will have long-lasting benefits in the Mid-South LGBT community.

The People's Choice Award

An LGBT person or ally of any age. Nominations will be submitted online. Top vote-getters will be sent to a panel of judges for final determination of the winner.

People's Choice Award Nomination

Nominations are now closed.