It hasn't been a full week since Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, yet the results of our president-to-be have stirred a ton of controversy. Tensions have clashed throughout the week between Trump and Hillary supporters, and many anti-Trump supporters have taken to the streets in protest. But a more subtle form of protest has recently taken social media by storm: people are beginning to wear safety pins on their clothes. But where did this trend come from? And what exactly does it mean? Let's leave it to the Brit's to help us learn the meaning behind the safety pin movements.

Piperperabo Instagram: #safetypin ❤ People across the country are wearing safety pins to show their support for marginalized groups after the election. The safety pin was adopted after #Brexit, as immigrants and people of color found themselves increasingly subject to racist attacks #Repost @nymag

Brexit

Over the summer, the United Kingdom made the decision to leave the European Union, later to be known as "Brexit." The decision was made with blatant anti-immigrant remarks against Muslim refugees. After the decision was made, hate crimes against Muslim people had become widespread across the U.K, 57% to be exact. As a form of solidarity for those feeling persecuted after the Brexit decision, British citizens began wearing safety pins on their shirts and coats. This is a subtle way for white, British citizens to show Muslims that they are not alone and that there are allies around them. The original Safety Pin Movement post is accredited to a Twitter user by the name of @cheeas, but the trend quickly took the country by storm.

T.R.Knight Instagram: To anyone threatened by hate and fear. #SafetyPin

America

On November 8, Donald Trump was elected to become president of the United States. This came after Trump won 270 electoral college votes, even though poll numbers showed that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. Trump's speeches, policies and rallies have been infamously known to contain hateful remarks regarding racial minorities, immigrants, the LGBT community, and women. Because of this, half of the country felt outraged and devastated over the election results.

While many anti-Trump supporters immediately began to perform protests, marches, and rallies, others innovated our British friend's Safety Pin Movement. Today, thousands of Americans have begun to take selfies showing off their safety pins in order to show support for those who fear Trump's policies. Once again, the Safety Pin Movement has taken over the social media universe and is a great way to show support for those who currently fear the transition of power without causing a public upset.