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
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.
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 30, 2025 at 12 noon CST
People's Choice Award Nomination
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Champion of the Year
An LGBT person or ally of any age that has helped to make significant impacts in the community. Nominations will be submitted online. Nominees 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. Nominees will be sent to a panel of judges for the final determination of the winner.
Trailblazer Award
This award is presented to an up-and-coming person, group, or organization that has set a foundation for the LGBT+ community. Nominees will be sent to a panel of judges for the final determination of the winner.
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. Nominees will be sent to a panel of judges for the final determination of the winner.
Focus Awards Judged Category Nominations
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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.
The MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce Awards
The MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Focus Magazine for the upcoming Focus Awards 2025 — and we’re launching something new this year!
As part of this collaboration, the Chamber will introduce two new business-focused awards to recognize excellence in the LGBTQ+ business community. These Chamber-hosted awards are separate from the main Focus Awards and are designed to highlight leadership, advocacy, and impact within our local business ecosystem.
Outstanding Business Award
Recognizing a business or nonprofit making a meaningful impact through networking, education, and advocacy.
Outstanding Business Professional Award
Honoring an individual who is leading the way in their field while supporting and advancing LGBTQ+ business inclusion.
MidSouth LGBT Chamber Business Awards
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