Pedro Pascal used a movie premiere in London to show his support for trans rights. The Hollywood actor was photographed on the red carpet for the premiere of Thunderbolts, the latest Marvel Studios film, wearing a T-shirt that read “Protect the dolls.”
The T-shirt, designed by London-based American designer Conner Ives, has gained significant attention since Ives wore it during his Fall-Winter 2025 show in February. The slogan is a gesture of solidarity with trans women, who are affectionately referred to as “dolls” within the LGBTQ community.
Pascal’s appearance comes just a week after Britain’s Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of “woman” in equality laws is determined by biological sex, excluding transgender women from certain protections. While some celebrated the decision, many in Britain’s trans community have expressed being “absolutely devastated” by the ruling, which could significantly impact the application of equality laws in the country.
This isn’t the first time Pascal has been seen wearing the T-shirt. He was also photographed in it earlier this month at his 50th birthday party in London. Ives later shared a photo of Pascal wearing the T-shirt alongside trans DJ Honey Dijon on Instagram, thanking those who have supported the cause by purchasing the shirts, which raise funds for Trans Lifeline.
For Pascal, this cause is personal. His younger sister, Lux, is a trans actress and model. In 2021, he shared an Instagram post in support of an interview Lux gave to a Chilean magazine about her transition, writing: “My sister, my heart, our Lux.”
Other prominent figures who have helped promote the T-shirt include Australian actor and singer Troye Sivan, French designer Haider Ackermann, and Nick Knight, the founder of fashion film and photography platform SHOWstudio.
Profits from the T-shirts, priced at £75 ($100) each, go to support Trans Lifeline, a US-based charity. Ives’ website notes that given the current political climate in the US, where there is increasing hostility towards trans people, the need for support is greater than ever.
Celebrities have long used slogan T-shirts as a way to make statements. In 2023, model and socialite Hailey Bieber, married to pop star Justin Bieber, was spotted wearing a shirt that read “nepo baby.”
