Pedro Pascal made waves in the media recently for donning a T-shirt with the words “Protect the Dolls.” The actor sported this shirt at the premiere of the MCU film Thunderbolts on April 22, 2025, in London, according to reports from People magazine.
The significance of Pascal’s shirt lies in its support for transgender women, as revealed by USA Today. The T-shirt was designed by Conner Ives, a renowned fashion designer, who also shed light on the meaning behind the phrase “dolls,” which is often used to refer to transgender women.
This statement by Pascal comes in the wake of a controversial decision by the U.K. Supreme Court, which ruled that a woman’s legal recognition is based on her biological sex, potentially excluding transgender women from certain rights, as reported by People magazine.
Pedro Pascal has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly since his sister Lux came out as transgender in February 2021. In an interview with a magazine called Ya, Lux expressed her brother’s unwavering support for her transition, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and understanding within their family dynamic.
Lux’s journey began with identifying as nonbinary before fully embracing her identity as a woman. Despite feeling comfortable living as a woman, Lux remains committed to advocating for nonbinary individuals and ensuring they have a place in society.
Turning 50 on April 2, Pascal celebrated his birthday in London surrounded by industry peers, as per the Daily Mail. However, it was his choice of attire – the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt – that stole the spotlight.
The T-shirt, created by Conner Ives, gained popularity after the designer showcased it at one of his fashion shows earlier this year. Ives revealed that the inspiration behind the design stemmed from the evolving political landscape and his personal connections with transgender individuals.
Proceeds from the sales of the Protect the Dolls T-shirt are donated to Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit organization supporting transgender individuals. Priced at $99 on Ives’ website, the shirt has garnered attention from celebrities like Troye Sivan, in addition to Pedro Pascal.
In an interview with The New York Times, Ives explained that the message behind the shirt was a reflection of his love and support for his transgender friends. By choosing the phrase “Protect the Dolls,” Ives aimed to highlight the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of transgender individuals in a changing world.
Overall, Pedro Pascal’s bold fashion statement not only showcases his commitment to advocating for marginalized communities but also serves as a symbol of solidarity and inclusivity in an ever-evolving society.
