Pedro Pascal wore a bold T-shirt at the European premiere of Marvel's Thunderbolts in Leicester Square, London, on April 22, 2025. Getty Images
Pedro Pascal, a well-known Hollywood actor, used the premiere of Marvel's "Thunderbolts" in London to show his support for trans rights. At the red carpet event, Pascal wore a T-shirt with the message “Protect the dolls.” The shirt was designed by American designer Conner Ives, who is based in London. Since Ives wore it during his Fall-Winter 2025 show in February, the shirt has gained attention. The phrase “Protect the dolls” has become a symbol of solidarity for trans women, often affectionately referred to as “dolls” in the LGBTQ community.
Pascal’s T-shirt made a statement just a week after the British Supreme Court made a controversial ruling. The court decided that the legal definition of “woman” would be based on biological sex, excluding transgender women. This decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some people in the UK celebrated the ruling, while many in the trans community expressed their heartbreak over the outcome. The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on how equality laws are applied across the UK.
This is not the first time Pascal has worn this shirt. He was also seen wearing it at his 50th birthday party in London earlier this month. Ives, the designer behind the shirt, posted a picture on Instagram of Pascal wearing it with trans DJ Honey Dijon. Ives shared the caption: “Thank you, to every person that has purchased a tee, and raised money for @translifeline. It has been a marathon getting these tees made but I’m so happy to be getting these out.”
Image: Fashionista
For Pascal, this cause hits close to home. His younger sister, Lux Pascal, is a trans actress and model. In 2021, Pedro shared an emotional post about his sister’s interview with a Chilean magazine, which focused on her transition. He posted a picture of the cover of the magazine, saying, “My sister, my heart, our Lux.”
Pascal isn’t the only celebrity supporting this cause. Australian actor Troye Sivan, French designer Haider Ackermann, and Nick Knight, the founder of SHOWstudio, have also helped raise the profile of the “Protect the dolls” T-shirt. The T-shirts, which sell for £75 ($100) online, raise money for Trans Lifeline, a charity that supports transgender people. The profits are especially important now, as the US government has been increasingly hostile toward the trans community. Ives’ website notes, “Support like this is needed now more than ever.”
Slogan T-shirts have always been a popular way for celebrities to make a statement. Model and socialite Hayley Bieber, who is married to Justin Bieber, made headlines in 2023 for wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “nepo baby.”
The T-shirts are more than just a fashion statement. They are a way for people to show their support for the trans community and raise awareness for important causes. Pascal’s appearance at the “Thunderbolts” premiere is a reminder that celebrities can use their platform to make a difference and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
