Who Are the Dolls of ‘Protect the Dolls’ and Why Do They Need Protection?
Pedro Pascal, Troye Sivan, Charli XCX. and more celebrities make a bold fashion statement in support of trans rights—here’s the story behind the viral 'Protect the Dolls' shirt
In recent weeks, the phrase «Protect the Dolls» has gained significant attention, prominently displayed on T-shirts worn by celebrities such as Pedro Pascal, Troye Sivan, Addison Rae, and Ricky Martin. This slogan is part of a fashion initiative supporting transgender women and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
The «Protect the Dolls» T-shirt was created by fashion designer Conner Ives. He introduced it during his Fall 2025 show at London Fashion Week, wearing the shirt himself as he concluded the runway presentation. The phrase «the dolls» is an affectionate term rooted in 1980s ballroom culture, referring to transgender women.
Ives, inspired by the support he received from trans women throughout his career, collaborated with trans model Hunter Pifer to ensure the message was both respectful and impactful. The T-shirt features the slogan in bold, black serif font on a white background, conveying a direct and powerful message.
alex consani and troye sivan at coachella for charli’s set ☆ troye wears the conner ives ‘protect the dolls’ shirt 🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/ONGOLdf0TF
The initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for Trans Lifeline, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization providing peer support and crisis assistance to transgender individuals. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales are donated to this cause.
Pedro Pascal attends the European Premiere of Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’ at Cineworld Leicester Square on April 22, 2025 in London, England. Whitby/Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company Limited
The campaign emerged in response to a series of anti-LGBTQ+ policies enacted by the U.S. government, including restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare and limitations on transgender individuals’ rights.
Trans lives are under threat globally due to rising violence, systemic discrimination, and hostile political agendas. According to the Human Rights Campaign, over 375 transgender people were murdered worldwide in 2023, with Black and Latina trans women being the most frequent victims. In the United States, trans people experience violent crime at more than four times the rate of cisgender individuals, according to UCLA’s Williams Institute.
The situation is especially dire under political pressure. During his presidency, Donald Trump’s administration rolled back numerous protections for trans people, including bans on trans people serving in the military and attempts to redefine gender in federal civil rights law. These policy decisions have contributed to a climate of fear, isolation, and heightened vulnerability for the trans community—making campaigns like «Protect the Dolls» not only powerful but necessary.
Celebrity Endorsements and Impact
The T-shirt gained widespread popularity after being worn by several high-profile figures: Pedro Pascal wore the shirt at the U.K. premiere of Marvel’s «Thunderbolts,» showing support for his transgender sister, Troye Sivan performed at Coachella wearing the shirt, further amplifying its message, Addison Rae also sported the T-shirt at the famous festival, contributing to its viral status. These endorsements have significantly boosted the campaign’s visibility, leading to over 2,500 orders and raising more than $250,000 for Trans Lifeline.
The «Protect the Dolls» T-shirt is available for purchase through various online retailers, with all proceeds benefiting Trans Lifeline. By wearing this shirt, supporters can make a fashion statement that also contributes to a vital cause.
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