Jena Floyd

Jena Floyd has always been fascinated with the simplicity of lines, dividing negative and filled spaces, and with colors used to express emotions, intensifying messages that she hopes to convey to viewers through her creative work.

Floyd notes that recently, she has tended to lean towards simplicity while dealing with issues that may seem complicated and political, such as LGBTQ+ rights, social justice, intersectionality, oppression, and discrimination. Simplicity is akin to having common sense: That anyone’s sexual and gender identities shouldn’t be questioned or concealed (except to preserve safety). 

The colors selected for the “Coming Out” comic strip have significant meanings. The colors surrounding the white door are two shades of gray besides the black outlines, like watching a black-and-white television before Technicolor was invented. The colorlessness of the wall, the floor, and the door reflects the backwardness of society towards LGBTQ+ people. The door symbolizes the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and for recognition of the richness of diversity in our society. In the first panel, the door is closed, while the next two panels show the door opening, letting out a strip of rainbow colors. The final panel is then completely covered with rainbow colors, representing Floyd’s hope for a future where LGBTQ+ people can feel safe, without fear of being persecuted for being who they are.

Floyd also aims to have people investigate their emotional outlook towards LGBTQ+ people as they appreciate this colorful comic imagery.

Website: www.jenafloyd.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenafloydart/