RAISING AWARENESS
ABQ-based organizations collaborate on Semicolon Tattoo Project
In April 2013, Amy Bleuel had an idea which she took to social media. It was a message for anyone who had ever struggled with a mental illness.
The call to action was for people to draw a semicolon on their wrist and to post a photo — as a semicolon symbolized that a sentence wasn’t over yet, and neither was their life.
The tagline was: “Your story isn’t over.”
Since then, millions have shared photos of semicolons on their bodies, both drawn and permanently tattooed, as part of a burgeoning effort to erase the societal shame long associated with mental health.
“People want to know they’re not suffering in silence, you feel alone like no one cares, to know someone is there, that is what these people go forth with, they take this energy to better themselves,” Bleuel said. “I wanted to start a conversation that can’t be stopped and I believe I’ve done that.”
That message has reached Albuquerque chef and tattoo aficionado Mike
White, who himself has struggled with mental illness.
White is collaborating with
Por Vida Tattoo and Por Vida Therapeutics in on the Semicolon Tattoo Project, which takes place from 11 a.m.7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Por Vida Tattoo.
“It signifies that someone’s story isn’t over,” White says. “The people who show up for a tattoo will be able to get one of a few designs.”
White says the tattoos will cost either $60, $90 or $120, depending on which design is chosen.
“We have 20 tattoo artists that are participating in the project,” he says. “The money from the tattoos goes to one of three different nonprofits that fosters the spirit of suicide and mental health prevention.”
The three nonprofits are Capeless Heroes Foundation, Agora Crisis Center and Lotus Project.
White says it’s a family-friendly event and will have food trucks such as Mighty Mike’s Meats, B.un.s Food Truck and Red Taco Shop.
He says it’s a collaborative effort among all the Albuquerque-based organizations.
“I really believe in helping people that have mental health struggles,” he says. “When it comes to mental health services, I want to raise as much money as possible. By making mental health more common and normal, it won’t be as stigmatized. As we continue to raise awareness, it will help people feel less uncomfortable.”