Marks of Protection: Using Art to Fight Injustice

Tennessee’s new Hope of Ink Act is a powerful reminder of how tattoo artists can be allies in the fight against human trafficking. The proposed bill, which would require anti-human trafficking training for tattoo professionals, highlights the role our industry can play in protecting vulnerable individuals.

This resonates deeply with the work I’ve done through Marks of Protection and our collaboration with Medaille Trust, a UN-recognized charity that connects trafficking survivors with tattoo artists to transform marks of trauma into symbols of empowerment. Together, we’ve seen firsthand how a tattoo can be a shield, a story rewritten, and a step toward healing.

This art is more than skin deep—it’s a tool for change. As we continue this journey, I’m inspired by initiatives like Tennessee’s and the collective power of our craft to create safe spaces and lasting impact.

Here’s the article that sparked this reflection: https://abcnews.go.com/US/tennessee-bill-require-anti-human-trafficking-training-tattoo/story?id=117996990

Let’s keep the conversation going. How else can art help rewrite stories of survival and hope?