A Badge of Unity
What My Safety Pin Tattoo Represents & Why It Matters
In a world that often breeds division, I want to make it explicitly clear that I stand with marginalized communities.
Recently, I’ve received inquiries about the meaning behind my new tattoo, and instead of individually responding, I thought I’d share my thoughts here.
You may recall the surge of xenophobic incidents that followed the Brexit vote in the UK. In response, someone proposed wearing a safety pin as a mark of solidarity, signaling to others: “I’m a safe person.” But the origins of this pin go back even further. During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, people discreetly wore safety pins to show support—often hidden under clothing. In Norway, paper clips served a similar purpose, indicating that someone was “safe.”
Over time, sporting these symbols evolved into acts of defiance, where individuals risked their safety to show allyship.
In the United States today, we’re witnessing a resurgence of this movement, especially in light of the recent political climate characterized by nationalism and hostility toward minorities.
Some critics dismiss the safety pin as trivial or insufficient. Ironically, even some Neo-Nazis have attempted to appropriate it to disguise their true intentions. But to me, it’s anything but trivial. It serves as a constant reminder of the consequences that arise when we fail to unite. It signifies the importance of recognizing our allies during challenging times. More importantly, it pledges that I will voice my opposition whenever the rights, freedoms, and safety of others are threatened.
As for the lightning bolt in my tattoo, it’s a nod to Harry Potter—one of my all-time favorite series. For those familiar with the story, Harry survived an attack from Voldemort as a baby, leaving him with a lightning bolt scar, a symbol of love and protection from his parents. Voldemort was cast aside for years, hiding in the shadows, while his followers, the Death Eaters, lurked in plain sight, denying their loyalty until he returned.
This election revealed that there were indeed Death Eaters (you know, the racists, misogynists, and ethnocentrists) among us that I never recognized before. I’m not saying that everyone who voted for the current administration is one of them, but you can’t deny the complicity in the face of rising hate crimes since election day. I want it to be abundantly clear that such principles have no place within my heart.
The lightning bolt also embodies the care I put into my relationships. I hope you do the same.
If you want to learn more about related topics, you can check out this blog post on home insemination.
For those exploring the journey of parenthood, Make A Mom is an excellent resource, while Cleveland Clinic offers valuable insights into fertility and pregnancy.
Summary
My safety pin tattoo is a powerful emblem of solidarity, rooted in history and a commitment to support marginalized communities. It’s a pledge to speak out against injustice and recognize our allies, much like the protective symbols of the past.