Jasper Joyner

Jun 11, 2024 | focuslgbt.com | Jasper Joyner

Half of the people in Gaza are expected to face deadly starvation by mid-July. It is now June, Pride month, and the United States continues to fund this genocide as protesters proceed to lose their livelihoods and face punishment for speaking out against it. Local group Memphis Queers for Palestine has now joined protesting collectives around the world demanding a free Palestine, from the river to the sea—and you can join them.

Jun 4, 2024 | focuslgbt.com | Jasper Joyner

This story was featured in our print and virtual May/June PRIDE issue. “Dance is like the homeostasis of the arts,” said Florien Alexander, a 22-year-old dancer and protégé at New Ballet Ensemble & School. It’s an empowering thought that all dancers might share that special understanding of homeostasis, or a true state of balance between all parts of their bodies. Perhaps just as remarkable is how Memphis-based New Ballet Ensemble & School helps bring about that balance.

Mar 25, 2024 | hishelli.net | Michael Jones |Cheyenne Davis |KB Brookins |Jasper Joyner

EYE WOULD LIKE TEW TALK ABOUT NEWSLETTERS!There has been a huge uptick in them launching recently. It’s not just because of how rocky the world of media is right now with layoffs, firings, and publications just disappearing overnight. It’s also because folks want more control over their work and money. Growing tired of chasing checks and having pieces published that don’t reflect what was approved in their final edits.

Mar 7, 2024 | focuslgbt.com | Jasper Joyner

Movies are a great way to showcase what it might really be like to walk in someone else’s shoes. And when it comes to LGBTQ southerners, facing constant anti-LGBT legislation and discrimination, movies can even save lives. No need to wait till the Oscars this Sunday—let’s celebrate great queer cinema now. Here are 16 southern queer movies that feature LGBTQ characters and/or themes. The 2015 HBO film Bessie centers on the life and career of American blues singer Bessie Smith played by Queen Latifah.

Jan 25, 2024 | focuslgbt.com | Jasper Joyner

My Sistah’s House has big plans for 2024!The trans-led, Memphis-based non-profit, founded by TLGBQ advocates Kayla Gore and Illyahnna C. Wattshall, has provided dozens of accessible homes through their low barrier homeowner program since starting in 2016. But their work is far from over.