Gayety

Tag: Addison Rae

  • Pop Icon Madonna Newest Celebrity to Rally Behind Trans Rights With ‘Protect the Dolls’ Shirts

    Pop Icon Madonna Newest Celebrity to Rally Behind Trans Rights With ‘Protect the Dolls’ Shirts

    Madonna is once again making headlines—not just for her music or tours, but for her unwavering support of the trans community.

    On May 29, the pop icon took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a photo of herself wearing a black “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, a bold fashion statement created by designer Conner Ives. Layered under a rosary chain and paired with a diamond necklace, the shirt was less of a wardrobe choice and more of a rallying cry.

    With over 1.2 million views, Madonna’s post is more than viral—it’s a powerful act of visibility for a community under fire. Fans have flooded her comments with admiration for her unwavering love and support of LGBTQ+ community. One saying, “Thank you, this means the world, and you are an absolute ray of light.” Another quoting, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT WITH OUR COMMUNITY!”

    What “Protect the Dolls” Really Means

    The phrase “Protect the Dolls” is more than just a slogan. It’s a nod to the vibrant slang of 1980s Ballroom culture, originally popularized by Black and Latina trans women. In that scene, “the dolls” was an empowering term used to celebrate femininity, strength, and presence. Today, it’s embraced by many trans women and transfeminine nonbinary individuals as an affirming label.

    1980's Ballroom Scene in New York City
    Photo: Akib Irfan

    By reviving the term in this new design, Conner Ives isn’t just selling T-shirts—he’s raising awareness and funds for trans-focused initiatives. The shirt made its debut at the close of his London Fashion Week runway show, and it’s since taken on a life of its own.

    Celebrities Join the Movement

    Madonna isn’t the only A-lister showing up for the dolls.

    Actor Pedro Pascal, who has long been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, recently wore the same shirt during his 50th birthday celebration. Among those in attendance were his sister, trans actress Lux Pascal, and trailblazing trans DJ Honey Dijon. The gathering wasn’t just festive—it was quietly political.

    Australian pop star Troye Sivan, actress Tilda Swinton, and internet sensation Addison Rae have also been spotted donning the now-iconic design.

    A Timely Message

    As anti-trans legislation continues to rise globally, these moments of visible solidarity are more than symbolic. They serve as reminders that fashion, when paired with intention, can be a powerful tool of resistance.

    And when Madonna, Pascal, and a parade of other stars wear a message loud and proud, the world takes notice.

  • Addison Rae Releases New Single ‘Headphones On’ Alongside Music Video Ahead of Debut Album Drop June 6

    Addison Rae Releases New Single ‘Headphones On’ Alongside Music Video Ahead of Debut Album Drop June 6

    Pop newcomer Addison Rae continues her ascent in the music industry with the release of her latest single, “Headphones On,” out now via Columbia Records. The track marks the fourth release from Rae’s highly anticipated debut album, which is set to drop June 6.

    The emotional, synth-pop single arrived Wednesday with a cinematic music video filmed in Reykjavik, Iceland, adding another visually rich layer to Rae’s carefully crafted artistic aesthetic. Co-written and produced by Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, “Headphones On” blends Rae’s signature dreamy sound with some of her most vulnerable lyrics to date, offering fans a deeper look into her emotional world and musical growth.

    “Headphones On” Offers a Glimpse Into Rae’s Inner World

    The Mitch Ryan-directed music video opens with Rae aimlessly shopping in a grocery store before slipping on her headphones. From there, viewers are transported into a daydream where Rae roams the vast Icelandic countryside — dancing, twirling, and soaking in her solitude.

    The dreamlike visuals reflect the emotional tone of the song, which focuses on themes of escapism, healing, and accepting the past. The chorus line, “Wish my mom and dad could have been in love,” strikes a deeply personal chord, reflecting Rae’s willingness to explore family trauma and emotional scars in her songwriting.

    She continues in the pre-chorus, singing:
    “You can’t fix what has already been broken / You just have to surrender to the moment.”

    The track is both haunting and hopeful, underscoring Rae’s talent for combining pop melodies with introspective themes.

    A Breakout Year for the Pop Star

    The release of “Headphones On” follows a string of successful singles and a breakout year for the 23-year-old singer, who first gained fame as a TikTok influencer and actress. Rae officially signed with Columbia Records in 2024 and quickly began building credibility as a serious music artist.

    Her debut single with the label, “Diet Pepsi,” arrived in October 2024 and marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 86 and later peaking at No. 54. The nostalgic pop track helped introduce Rae’s dreamy, synth-heavy sound and marked a major turning point in her career.

    She followed that success with two more singles, “Aquamarine” and “High Fashion,” both also produced by Kloser and Anderfjärd. “Aquamarine” gained additional momentum after being remixed by Venezuelan artist Arca and re-released as “Arcamarine,” which Rae performed live for the first time during Arca’s Coachella 2025 set.

    Viral Coachella Moment and Album Tease

    Rae made headlines on April 13 with her surprise appearance during Arca’s set at Coachella, where the duo performed “Arcamarine” to a captivated crowd. At the end of her performance, Rae flashed her underwear to reveal the date “June 6,” a cheeky and viral nod to the upcoming release of her debut album.

    The bold move sparked a wave of online speculation and anticipation, fueling excitement around her full-length project, which has yet to have its full tracklist officially revealed.

    From Internet Star to Music Artist

    Before aligning with Columbia, Rae quietly released a five-track EP titled “AR” in 2023, which featured the single “Nothing On (But the Radio)” and a guest verse from Charli XCX. Though unofficial at first, the EP gained traction online, especially among fans of left-of-center pop.

    Rae later collaborated with Charli again on a remix of “Von Dutch,” one of the lead singles from Charli’s Grammy-winning 2024 album “Brat.” These collaborations have helped Rae bridge the gap between mainstream pop and more experimental pop subcultures, giving her broader credibility as an artist.

    What Fans Can Expect from Rae’s Debut Album

    Though details remain limited, Rae’s debut album is expected to blend early 2000s pop nostalgia with modern synth production, offering a mix of emotional ballads, dance-ready anthems, and introspective lyrics. Themes of heartbreak, family, identity, and emotional freedom are central to her recent releases, hinting at a deeply personal narrative arc for the project.

    Music industry insiders have hinted that Rae’s debut may include more collaborations with Arca, Charli XCX, and possibly other artists from the queer pop scene. Her unique blend of viral savvy, fashion-forward visuals, and raw lyricism positions her as one of pop’s most intriguing new voices.

    From Viral Videos to Radio Waves

    Addison Rae’s rise from TikTok star to charting music artist has been one of the more compelling transitions in recent pop culture history. With each release, Rae continues to redefine her image, focusing on creating authentic and emotionally resonant music that defies her influencer origins.

    With “Headphones On,” Rae not only cements her place in today’s pop landscape — she also signals what could be a long-lasting music career. Her full debut album drops June 6, and if her current streak is any indication, it may be one of the year’s most talked-about pop releases.