In the wake of the UK vote to leave the European Union, a lot of news has focused on the anger and disbelief that swept the nation (and the world).

Inside the UK there has been a wave of hate crimes and acts of vandalism targeting foreign products, foreigners and those believed to be foreigners (meaning people of an ethnicity other than obviously caucasian English.) In the hate and the frustration boiling over, it can be too easy to miss out on the positive stories that came out amid Brexit.

Individuals across the UK have found ways to express their solidarity with immigrants, show their discontent about leaving the EU, and simply try to connect with each other. Here is a rundown of just some of the touching and even humorous ways people are responding to the Brexit vote. These should restore at least some of your faith in humanity

Communities reaching out

Signs like this one found in Plaistow, England are popping up.

#SafetyPin

This campaign was started by an American living in the UK who wanted a way to show her solidarity with other immigrants (as she keeps reminding her friends she is as well).

The tweet went viral after Indy1000 picked up the story and now it is shaping people’s actions online and offline.

The idea was inspired by Australia’s #IllRideWithYou campaign to give Muslims a safe form of transport during the backlash after the 2014 Sydney Café shootings.

Remainder – the dating app for people heartbroken over the UK-EU breakup

OK, this is a bit more of a tongue-and-cheek concept but the new app was set up by “two ordinary voters who wanted to cheer everyone up after a dismal day,” according to its website. The app may connect heartbroken people looking for some solace but it might be better to connect those who voted to Leave and people who voted to Remain so the two groups can better understand each other.

In times of crisis, turn to your heroes

A few characters from British pop culture are being deployed to brighten people’s day (or simply channel their rage). First this image exploded on Reddit under the headline: “Glad to see David Cameron has been replaced by Professor McGonagall.” Well played, Reddit.

US comedian/satirist/TV show host also turned to a famous British character, by having none other than a former Time Lord (David Tennant) on her show to explain Brexit. The target of this explanation was Donald Trump and his misunderstanding of the difference between Scotland and England. This may have some more rage than humor in it, but come on, it’s DAVID-FREAKING-TENNANT (He makes his appearance at 5:29 in the video below).

And it’s not just famous UK characters getting into the act. This hilarious tweet went to children’s shows.

And then of course there is just simple denial.

Or could it be more than denial?

For those truly trying to comprehend the impact of the UK vote to leave the EU, there are some people spreading the idea that the #Brexit could still be avoided. It’s hard to say if these analysis are accurate or not, but for some this is a sign of a positive outcome.

The UK vote to leave the EU will change the face of Europe and potentially the world. The hope is that during this change, people can remember that being open to each other and connecting is still important even as the UK disconnects from the European Union.

TopicsCitizenshipUKBrexitEUDigests

Digests

Demand Equity

How humor and safety pins are helping heal the UK post-Brexit

By Brandon Blackburn-Dwyer