Safety Pins for Support
You may have seen them around. Someone walks by wearing a safety pin on their lapel and you’re left to wonder, “What is the point of that?”
In response to a change in leadership, many communities have felt apprehensive about the conditions of their rights and place in this country. Some of these include the LGBT+, people of color, women, and people with disabilities communities. To show that they are in a “safe space” many people have started wearing safety pins. In doing this a person is saying, “You are safe with me and I stand with you.”
This has been a comfort to many people who feel threatened, and the movement has gone viral. “I’ve seen a lot of little safety pins winking silver from the shirts of people around me. And I know that I can always find someone out there who understands,” said one Tumblr user, “And sometimes that is all you need.”
While some people are saying that the Safety Pin Movement is not enough, others have responded that for minors and students, it is the only way for them to show support. Overall, the intentions of those trying to show support are positive. With enough support people can help show those who are marginalized that everyone has a place here. People can show these communities that no one is alone and that there will always be people who will defend their freedoms.