2022 Issue 4 Jul/Aug Focus - Mid-South magazine

Jun Lee Trading
Company
3397 Summer Ave.
@ National
Not just for drag queens,
this open-box, bin-style
store carries inexpensive
jewelry, purses, tiaras, and
accessories for parties,
fashion, and those who just
want something sparkly to
wear to a special occasion.
City Thrift
5124 Summer Ave.
@ 240
Sprawling aisles draw the
eye to fun finds at City
Thrift. Color tags indicate
month-long specials on
items half off. Charity
bins for donations are
available outside the store,
which is recognized for
being eco-friendly. 80% of
unwanted clothing ends up
in landfills—instead, donate
your unwanted items, then
shop for new-to-you.
Junior League Repeat
Boutique
3586 Summer Ave.
An upscale thrift store,
the non-profit Repeat
Boutique funds various
programs for Memphis’
Junior League communitybased
initiatives. Inventory
is focused on clothing and
accessories and includes
mainly casual and business
casual clothing for women,
men, and children, as well
as a good selection of
formalwear and wedding
gowns. Open Tuesday-
Saturday, 10-5.
Great China Food
Market
5137 Summer Ave.,
near White Station
One of the older Asian
markets in Memphis, this
place is both literally and
figuratively funky (prepare
for authentic seafood
smells). Shop for harder-tofind
fresh ingredients for
Asian cooking, as well as
packaged foods like agaragar,
crackers and cookies,
nori, teas, and treats like
Pocky. Moon cakes and
mung bean cakes are not
to be missed.
Summer Lovin’
Green Flags for Summer Romance
by Robin Beaudoin Ownby
Thinking about sticking with someone new through
the swim & patio season? Licensed counselors agree
on certain “green flags” to look for when considering a
potential romantic partner.
1. They are not afraid to ask what you like, even
checking in during sex for cues. If you’re giving clear
“more” or “less” signals, they are responsive to those
messages.
2. You seem interested in each other’s fantasies and
don’t judge if they’re different from yours. An openminded
lover can make you feel safe and validated.
3. You are both on the same page regarding
commitment and exclusivity. Discuss your
expectations of this romance, what your long-term
goals are for the future, and re-evaluate every month
or two so that you’re in the same head space.
4. Safety is a priority! You know your statuses and
aren’t afraid to regularly retest. You’ve talked about
PreP and/or birth control, and take medications as
directed.
5. You are respectful of each other’s physical and
emotional limitations. Physical and mental traumas
or differences might make certain positions, places,
or even conversations difficult. Be consistent in your
behavior to support one another in these moments.
Ask questions, and give space when asked.
6. Hygiene! You wouldn’t eat with dirty utensils, right?
Keep yourselves and your bedrooms clean and
decluttered to prevent icky, smelly, or awkward
moments.
7. Adventuresome partners have the most fun. You
both/all enjoy trying new things, foods, toys, and
traveling. All of these keep things interesting.
8. They don’t talk smack about their exes. Be assured,
if they talk bad about their ex, one day they’ll speak
poorly of you. Keep things polite, and leave the past
in the past.
9. They’re a good listener. A good listener will fully
listen without forming their own arguments as you
speak. They will validate your experiences and use
your chosen name and correct pronouns without fail.
Listening shows your esteem for your partner.
10. They participate equally. A relationship is not
50/50–it requires 100% from all involved parties.
This includes coming up with ideas and reservations
for dates (see our article on Summer Avenue for
great date suggestions) as well as doing the dishes,
taking turns driving, and doing the deed.
Based on advice from Jeff Guenther, LPC
focuslgbt.com | Sex+Love 37