The Lipstick Portraits

The Lipstick Portraits are a series of photographs by Michael Angelo, showcasing strong, independent personalities from various walks of life—including Susan Sarandon, Dita Von Teese, Daryl Hannah, Selita Ebanks and Alan Cumming. Each one has marked themselves with red lipstick for this series to represent freedom, standing in solidarity with girls and women who are forced to wear red lipstick while being sold as slaves in brothels. The Somaly Mam Foundation supports AFESIP, an NGO which runs shelters and rescues and rehabilitates victims of human trafficking. Shelters offer job placement assistance to expose the women to professions and internship opportunities, helping them to decide what type of career they want to have after leaving the shelter. This includes skills training in beauty salons, and many survivors go on to become entrepreneurs who run their own salons, just like Lipstick Portraits creator Michael Angelo. Reintegration for survivors includes "start-up kits," micro grants of $700 to $1,000 to cover expenses such as products and supplies, signage, a salon chair, and other necessary materials needed to start a successful business. The reintegration team regularly follows up with hundreds of these cases, offering assistance where needed in a customized approach. For the entrepreneurs, the reintegration team offers business advice and occasional family support (to reduce pressure on the survivor to provide for the entire family), and also assumes some of the responsibility for ongoing medical care, including prescriptions and treatment. The team gradually reduces follow-up visits as a survivor's business becomes more stable and successful. Funding goal: $50,000. If we are able to raise beyond this goal, SMF can support additional training at the shelters, or provide other shelter support. 3 ways to help: 1. donate now: http://www.causes.com/causes/651552-the-lipstick-portraits/about 2. purchase a tube of OC "Lipstick Red" lip tar for $13.50 here: http://michaelangeloswonderlandbeautyparlor.bigcartel.com/product/lip-ta.... 100% of proceeds benefit SMF. 3. stay tuned for the launch of the LP online gallery and poster store, where you'll be able to order keepsake prints. This Valentine's Day, enjoy the freedom to wear lipstick… or not.