Actor Pedro Pascal made an unmissable statement of support for transgender women at the U.K. premiere of Marvel’s Thunderbolts on Tuesday, April 22, wearing a white T-shirt that read “PROTECT THE DOLLS.” While most eyes were on the red carpet glamour, Pascal used his platform to amplify a cause close to his heart: transgender rights, particularly the protection of trans women.
Pascal, 50, is no stranger to the spotlight or to activism. Best known for his roles in The Last of Us, The Mandalorian, and the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps, Pascal has long been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His support is deeply personal: his younger sister, Lux Pascal, publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2021. Since then, Pedro has been unwavering in his affirmation of her journey, frequently sharing words of pride, love, and protection.
The shirt Pascal wore is part of a campaign by 28-year-old American designer Conner Ives, who debuted the design during London Fashion Week earlier this year. The phrase “Protect the Dolls” refers to an affectionate term within the LGBTQ+ community for transgender women. Ives created the shirt as a direct response to the increasing political hostility toward trans rights in both the United States and abroad. All proceeds from sales of the shirt go to Trans Lifeline, a peer support and crisis hotline by and for trans people. To date, the campaign has raised over $250,000.
Speaking to The New York Times, Ives called the shirt “very reactive,” a deliberate design in response to recent anti-trans legislation and political rhetoric. “In the modern day, what is more ubiquitous than the graphic T-shirt?” Ives said. “It was time to say something.”
Pascal’s statement comes just days after the U.K. Supreme Court issued a controversial ruling redefining “woman” under the Equality Act as based solely on biological sex. The decision effectively excludes transgender women from certain legal protections and public spaces designated for women. The ruling, backed by anti-trans advocacy groups, has been widely criticized for undermining trans inclusion and dignity.
For many in the transgender community, Pascal’s gesture was more than symbolic—it was solidarity. As social media lit up with photos of the actor in his now-iconic shirt, praise poured in from fans and advocates alike. “Pedro Pascal is an example of making the right person famous,” one commenter wrote. “He consistently speaks up and uses his platform—and he just seems so bloody lovely too.”
Another trans fan posted, “It is amazing to see even a small show of support for us at this time. HUGE thank you to any cis person who would buy and wear this shirt, especially someone capable of sharing the message on a global stage.”
Pascal’s message echoes a sentiment he shared earlier this year: “I can’t think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.”
To transgender individuals and their allies, these aren’t just words; they’re a reminder that visibility matters. That love matters. And that we are not alone.
