While some Americans are voicing their concerns about President-elect Donald Trump in protests across the country, others are showcasing how they feel in a surprising way with a small object.
By fastening a safety pin to their clothing, Americans are declaring themselves “allies” to those who have been maligned by Trump or who are fearful of what is to come. Though a simple gesture, the safety pins are a symbol of solidarity and support.
According to The Guardian, the movement initially started in the U.K. after Brexit. Many wanted to offer their support to those who were facing racist and xenophobic abuse, but they were unsure of how to do so. That is, until one American woman named Allison (who didn’t want her last known) came up with an meaningful idea.
Though Allison was unable to vote in the referendum since she was an American living in London, she was still concerned about the increase in reports of abuse: “I was watching the Euros with my husband and I thought, how can we show people in public we are going to stand with them?” she told The Guardian. “We didn’t want to force people to go out and buy something so I said, what about a safety pin? Most people have one somewhere in the house.”
Allison shared her thoughts with her Twitter following and the #safetypin movement took off:
So I have an idea similar to #ridewithme to help protect those eing abused as result of Brexit referendum – but I need your help.
— miss pommery 1926 (@cheeahs) June 26, 2016
I'd like to come up with something that can be made by anybody anywhere to pin on their jacket or coat to signify that they are an ally.
— miss pommery 1926 (@cheeahs) June 26, 2016
I quite like the idea of just putting a safety pin, empty of anything else, on your coat. A literal SAFETY pin!
— miss pommery 1926 (@cheeahs) June 26, 2016
Now, fast forward to November.
With continuous fears and reports of related racist and anti-Semitic occurrences happening across the nation, Americans are joining the U.K. movement in hopes that through spreading love and solidarity, many will not feel so alone.
Be inspired by this collection of people joining the movement, and make sure you participate, too. Let’s give each other hope!
#safetypinsolidarity #safetypin you are safe with me ❤️? pic.twitter.com/KQQHX2dBil
— Rachael Wonderlin (@rachaeldawne) November 11, 2016
I stand w/those who are treated unfairly bc of gender, race, disability & beliefs. #safetypin @thenorthface u too? pic.twitter.com/QB8LDe8QWK
— Katie Martin (@snowflake65) November 11, 2016
Wearing a #safetypin to show those threatened by Tr*mp supporters’ hate and racism that their safety is MY concern. #NotMyPresident pic.twitter.com/rqLHY1b3Bj
— Mark Benson (@WaysideWriter) November 11, 2016
My #safetypin means I will stand up for anyone being treated unfairly. I am a safe place. pic.twitter.com/LDugM4WO7l
— wifeontheverge (@tiffmagid) November 11, 2016
I will fight for your rights. I will stand against hate. #SafetyPinSolidarity #SayNoToHate pic.twitter.com/P4lKfOnGF3
— Jennifer Chesnes (@JLChesnes) November 11, 2016
I wear my #SafetyPin to show I am a safe place.I will protect those who are treated unfairly bc of gender, race, disability, & indiv beliefs pic.twitter.com/gn2LmcTbi5
— Sarah Lill (@SarahLill9) November 11, 2016
This is beautiful. Let’s all be safe places for people who are anxious and afraid right now. #safetypin pic.twitter.com/BBeqyIIp4k
— Jamie Tworkowski (@jamietworkowski) November 11, 2016
Day three in Trump’s America. I will be wearing a #safetypin on everything I own. If I am not for others, who will be for me? #firsttheycame
— Dana Parker (@DanaBea) November 11, 2016
Given how anxious some of my students are, I will wear a #safetypin in the classroom. I care about all of my students.
— Sharon Cannon (@smccannon) November 11, 2016
So #safetypin is happening: Pin one on you to show marginalized groups that they are safe with you, that you will help if they are attacked. pic.twitter.com/PGFlLVMFeN
— Jennifer Scheurle (@Gaohmee) November 11, 2016
I’m going to be wearing a safety pin to show solidarity to muslims and other minorities #safetypin https://t.co/AVzBg6Q9qk
— Emma Vuletic (@EmmaVuletic) November 11, 2016
Show our nation’s most vulnerable that you support them. #SafeWithMe #SafetyPin #LoveTrumpsHate pic.twitter.com/jt2BVu3Yd4
— Cara (@KhaleesiCara) November 11, 2016
Spread love and acceptance. #SAFEtypin #pinme pic.twitter.com/wrSX7YofQr
— katrina tabor (@KatrinaTabor) November 10, 2016
Wear the humble #safetypin as a signal to anyone facing hate crimes that they are not alone. We stand by you. #undivided #ally pic.twitter.com/ssNfUzx7qo
— Toko-pa Turner (@tokopamusic) November 10, 2016
Wear a safety pin to identify yourself as an ally to minorities, immigrants, those who feel fear. @pantsuitnation #safetypin #safewithme pic.twitter.com/bTuxuqN23d
— Amy Snell (@amyjsnell) November 10, 2016
I will be wearing my #safetypin so if you feel unsafe or threatened, know I will stand by you. #StrongerTogether https://t.co/Cmt3sHrEFX
— Erin Macdonald (@drerinmac) November 10, 2016
#pantsuitnation #safetypin “I am an ally. I will stand for your right to be who you are. I am safe.” pic.twitter.com/YPKJh5wGXX
— Jen Baldwin (@ancestryjourney) November 10, 2016
#SafetyPin. I am an ally. Tell anyone afraid in Trump’s new America they don’t stand alone. #ImWithYou pic.twitter.com/Ib5wK6tMhY
— Lauren B. Davis (@Laurenbdavis) November 10, 2016
Show others that you are a safe person to sit by, to talk to, to come to for help–wear a safety pin. #lovetrumpshate #safetypin
— Jennifer Stone (@jenjellybeans) November 10, 2016