Fashion

Lady Gaga's New Tattoo Is Deeply Personal

by Marc Cuenco

Even though she didn't win an award last Sunday night, Lady Gaga still delivered one of the most talked about performances in Oscar history with her rendition of the Oscar-nominated song "Til It Happens To You." The performance became even more moving after a group of 50 sexual abuse survivors joined the pop star onstage in a powerful show of solidarity. To commemorate that moment, Lady Gaga got matching tattoos with her fellow rape survivors whom she invited to join her at the Oscars, thereby solidifying their bond that will last a lifetime.

The tattoo, a symbol of unity designed by artist David Allen, was placed on Gaga's left shoulder below another tattoo of a heart. The singer shared the process of her getting the new ink on Snapchat and also revealed that the significance of the tattoo. "At rehearsal the survivors and I made a pact," Gaga said. A few days before, she posted a backstage photo with the survivors at the Oscars, where they all shared their stories of abuse and became forever bonded. "Tears and hugs, matching tattoos and pictures, storytelling and encouragement," she said. "These survivors represented for others all over the world and I was so honored to be up there with them. 50+me= 51"

Soon after, fellow survivors posted their own photos with the same tattoo as Gaga.

Known for adorning herself with beautiful and meaningful body art, Gaga often gets tattoos that have a special significance in her life.

Mother Monster

In 2014, the singer celebrated her fan base — called the Little Monsters — with a "paws up" tattoo on her back.

David Bowie

Gaga paid tribute to the music legend with this David Bowie tattoo two days before performing a medley of his hits at the Grammys.

Artpop

Every album is a personal project for Gaga, made even more intimate after she tattoos the album title on her body.