I agree with both your friends who commented previously on their take on how wearing a safety pin is perceived and interpreted. I clearly read in multiple articles that it was a sign that you would "stand with" and "protect" any vulnerable person--whether they are considered vulnerable because of their (apparent) gender, gender identity, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

I have seen very few people wear them--one friend at a convention (just about the safest space I could think of; very ethnic/sexual orientation/gender identity/etc. welcoming) and maybe one other. A neighbor was giving away big ones so I pinned one on my purse (as I have it with me just about any time I'd be in a group).

Still don't know how far I'd intervene or what I'd do. I'm ambivalent about it as I tend to be a bit timid about confrontation. Was thinking about digging up my "Peace, Salaam, Shalom" pin to wear instead to make my values a bit clearer and say less about my possible levels of intervention. Although either a pin or a button makes me vulnerable (in addition to simply being a woman).

So much to consider...