- Pedro Pascal dropped by the Thunderbolts* premiere
- He was wearing a Protect The Dolls t shirt
- What is the meaning and history behind the look?
Pedro Pascal recently swung by the European premiere of Thunderbolts* wearing a Protect The Dolls t shirt.
Fans of the star were delighted by not just his unexpected appearance at this event (as far as many were aware, he wasn’t starring in Thunderbolts*) but also at his choice of threads.
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Pedro was dressed in a long Beige coat, a purple cap and glasses whilst wearing a simple white tee shirt that featured this well-known phrase.
Protect The Dolls has long been a prominent slogan used in the support of trans rights. With Pascal’s own sibling Lux Pascal identifying as Transgender, it’s a topic that is clearly close to the actor’s heart.
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It’s also one that’s regularly in the news – but what is the cultural and historical significance of Protect The Dolls and how did fans react to seeing it on Pascal’s chest?
Let’s have a look.
What is Protect The Dolls?
As mentioned above, Protect The Dolls is a popular slogan which is predominantly used to support transgender women. It was originally conceived by American fashion designer Conner Ives and first appeared at 2025’s London Fashion Week in February.
It’s typically depicted quite simply, using the Big Caslon typeface and set against a plain white t shirt. The look was frequently used during the lead up to the 2024 election as a way to protest President Donald Trump’s dedication to only recognising two genders.
The Thunderbolts* premiere isn’t the only time Pascal has worn the look, with social media showing the star wearing Ives’ tee at various events.
Aussie singer-songwriter Troye Sivan has also been seen wearing it.
What did fans say about it?
Much of the reaction surrounding Pascal’s choice of t shirt was positive, with many pleased to see that he is an ally in the support of equal transgender rights.
YOU GUYS DONT GET IT. PEDRO PASCAL IS ATTENDING AN MCU PREMIERE WITH A TRANS RIGHTS SHIRT ON… HE IS A REAL LIFE SUPERHERO. HE REALLY IS OUR REED RICHARDS pic.twitter.com/X8AbZSUf4j
— kels 🌿 tlou spoilers (@wethairjoel) April 22, 2025
“YOU GUYS DONT GET IT. PEDRO PASCAL IS ATTENDING AN MCU PREMIERE WITH A TRANS RIGHTS SHIRT ON… HE IS A REAL LIFE SUPERHERO,” yelled one user in all caps.
haven’t said it enough but Pedro Pascal might genuinely be my favorite actor (atm) because of the small things he does, like this shirt plastered a smile on my face https://t.co/iasRFwYTWf
— AvuxTF (@AvuxTF) April 23, 2025
Another said seeing the shirt “plastered a smile on my face.”
“Pedro Pascal, what a man you are,” added a third. “Trans rights always.”
