Human trafficking

A few months ago a friend of mine asked me to submit photos for a gallery she was hosting. The aim of the gallery was to bring awareness to human trafficking, auction off the prints and give the proceeds to charity. I hear they raised over $3000!

This image is about my hometown Flushing. I was shocked to find out it was a major location for trafficked victims—It’s by 2 airports and a foreigner blends in seamlessly.

I asked my friend to place this bag over her head and placed her in the heart of Flushing. The bag represents 2 things.
1) I grew up here and have always felt safe and protected—as if I were placed in a bubble where I cannot be harmed.
2) For the women who are trafficked here, this bag represents their suffering. A place that has brought be peace suffocates them and threatens their very life.

Lastly, I find it interesting how no one really responded to my friend. They just passed by her as if to say “its just another girl with a bag over her head.” This is probably how these victims must feel—surrounded by people with no help in sight.

If you haven't seen it, try to find a screening of this film. Its very enlightening.
callandresponse.com/home.html