Thought-provoking artists and lesbian couple, Jenny Cunningham and Sam Kirk, recently released a line of greeting cards for queer people of color (POC) ahead of the holidays.
The pair have never been shy to push the envelope (no pun) especially around the POC queer experience. Responding to an obvious void in the market, their greeting cards showcase interracial and queer characters across the spectrum. Tagg Magazine caught up with them to discuss their company Provoke Culture.
What inspired you to create greeting cards specifically featuring black LGBTQ women?
We were inspired to create cards that represented the diverse landscape of our multi-racial/ interracial/ LGBTQIA community, our relationship and the relationships of our peers. So often we go to the store to purchase a greeting card for a wedding or special event and settle for a generic design that includes heteronormative cis-gendered pairings. There is a lack of variety in selections, and as women of color we wanted to see designs which celebrate our relationships in more ways than what is currently available in most retailers.
Do you see this as an extension of your art, and how?
This is definitely an extension of our art. We produce illustrations and paintings for exhibitions and art events. Our greeting cards allow us to reach a broader audience for different occasions and celebrations.
How has the response been to the range thus far?
We launched the first round of cards in August and continue to receive amazing support from allies, the LGBTQ, and “melanated” communities. Word has spread like wildfire and thankfully continues to be shared through social media and the like. Currently we are looking to place the cards in more stores.
Can we expect this annually?
Yes, even better, you can expect new designs, quarterly! We are working to fill a gap in the industry and want to create cards that speak to everyone in the LGBTQ and “melanated” communities, so we have lots of work to do.
Are your cards strictly for LGBTQ women?
Our latest launch has a couple of cards that feature men and male relationships. We will continue to create cards that are also for the spectrum of LGBTQ men.
Check out the Provoke Culture website to view their current greeting card line, visit provokeculture.com.
