Pedro Pascal made a striking political and fashion statement on Tuesday, April 22, wearing a ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-shirt as he arrived at the Thunderbolts European premiere in London’s Leicester Square. The actor, best known for his roles in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, wore the bold T-shirt designed by American-born, London-based designer Conner Ives.
The T-shirt has also been worn by other celebrities, including singer Troye Sivan, who sported it during a guest performance at Charli xcx’s Coachella set. Proceeds from the sales go directly to Trans Lifeline, a grassroots non-profit organisation that provides emotional and financial support to transgender people in crisis. It is run by and for the trans community.
Its appearance on such a high-profile red carpet comes during a period of increasing tension surrounding transgender rights on both sides of the Atlantic.
Before he makes his MCU debut in #TheFantasticFour: First Steps, Pedro Pascal hit the #Thunderbolts* European Premiere in London! pic.twitter.com/kD13FbMEXh
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) April 22, 2025
Just last week, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the words ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the 2010 Equality Act refer to biological women and biological sex. The decision has major implications for the rights of trans individuals in the UK, effectively allowing organisations to exclude them from single-sex spaces such as toilets and changing rooms if it is deemed “proportionate.” The ruling has sparked protests across the country and criticism from prominent figures, including Irish actor and Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who called the decision “horrifying.”
Whereas in the United States, there is growing tension between Trump’s administration and the trans community, as anti-trans executive orders roll in and identifying documents are being withheld.
Donning the ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-shirt is not the first time Pedro Pascal has shown support for the trans community; he is a vocal LGBTQ+ ally and shows his support on a regular basis. In a 2023 interview, he was questioned about how his sister feels about the climate regarding trans rights. Pedro Pascal answered: “I wouldn’t want to speak on her behalf…But she is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I’ve ever known. My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.”
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