Luke Morrison-Williams, a dad-of-one, has a face tattoo that has caused him to face judgment from strangers. Despite working with marginalized populations, Luke is often seen as unemployable due to his extreme facial ink. Luke got his face tattoo in 2009 and loves it, but acknowledges that it has led to negative experiences such as being stared at and denied entry to pubs. However, Luke also sees the positives of his tattoo, as it makes him more relatable to the people he works with in addiction and homelessness recovery. He believes that having a face tattoo should not determine one’s employability. The tattoo covers a large area of his face, similar in size to Mike Tyson’s famous face tattoo.
Luke, who hails from Cannock, Staffordshire, has been working as a recovery worker for over 20 years. Despite facing judgment from others, Luke explains that his appearance actually helps him in his job. He believes that individuals who have face tattoos should be seen more in roles like his, as they can be perceived as more relatable and approachable by those in need of help. Luke has faced instances where he was mistaken for a patient rather than a staff member at clinics, showcasing the biases people have towards those with visible tattoos. When Luke was granted full custody of his daughter in 2015, people were surprised, assuming that he couldn’t be a suitable parent due to his face tattoo.
Despite the challenges Luke faces because of his tattoo, he does not regret getting it and would still go through with it knowing what he knows now. Luke believes that the stigma surrounding face tattoos is diminishing, as they are becoming more common. He encourages people to look beyond appearances and recognize individuals with bold ink as capable and skilled in various professions. Luke has been denied entry to pubs and served in establishments due to his face tattoo, but he remains proud of his ink and its significance to him. He emphasizes that having a tattoo on one’s face does not reflect one’s abilities or character but is simply a form of self-expression.
Luke’s experience highlights the societal bias and discrimination faced by individuals with visible tattoos, particularly face tattoos. Despite his extensive experience and success in his career, Luke continues to face challenges due to his tattoo. He hopes to change the negative perceptions associated with face tattoos and show that individuals with visible ink can be highly capable, compassionate, and successful professionals. The story of Luke Morrison-Williams sheds light on the importance of valuing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life, including the workplace, where judgments based on appearance can hinder opportunities for talented individuals like Luke.
