Something that has really struck me over the past few weeks is how wearing something small or seemingly subtle can signify a tremendous message to those around you. Prior to the election, many of us wore pantsuits to demonstrate support for our preferred candidate. In her concession speech, Hillary Clinton wore purple to demonstrate the blend of blue and red and the need for the two parties to unite going forward. And today, we wear safety pins to signify to people that we are safety allies, that we are people who will walk with you and stand by you and stay close to you if you are in danger of being persecuted and subject to hate.
The safety pin movement started after Brexit when the number of hate crimes increased tremendously in the UK. It has caught on here in the US, and I have been moved by how subtle yet comforting it is to put this on and let people know I am an ally were they to need it. And I look forward to seeing others don this simple item so that I know I can lean on them if I need to, as well. I’ve seen in some articles that some consider this an ‘anti-Trump’ symbol. Don’t take away the power of the pin by relegating it to the status of what candidate you supported. This is a pro-kindness, pro-love and pro-safety statement. Today, please consider the safety pin as your accessory of choice for the foreseeable future. Please spread love. Please be kind. Please show others that you are a safe space for them.
