Gayety

Tag: Tilda Swinton

  • 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.

  • Pedro Pascal, Troye Sivan, and More Rally Behind Viral ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-Shirt Raising $70k and Counting for Trans Rights

    Pedro Pascal, Troye Sivan, and More Rally Behind Viral ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-Shirt Raising $70k and Counting for Trans Rights

    What began as a bold runway moment at London Fashion Week has exploded into a full-on cultural movement. Conner Ives, the American-born, London-based fashion designer, has already raised $70,000 — and counting — through pre-sales of his now-iconic “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt. And yes, it hasn’t even shipped yet.

    The real kicker? Every cent is going to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit organization that provides peer support, direct aid, and life-saving services for transgender people across the United States.

    A Fashion Statement That Speaks Volumes

    The tee first turned heads in February when Ives himself wore it during his runway bow at the close of his Fall 2025 show at London Fashion Week. The designer stretched the shirt with both hands as he greeted the crowd, underlining the slogan and its deeper meaning.

    The shirt’s message — both literal and symbolic — instantly resonated.

    Just a day later, Ives announced via Instagram that the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt would be available for pre-order, with 100% of proceeds going to Trans Lifeline.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Conner Ives (@connerives)

    “After the groundswell of support for the ‘Protect the Dolls’ tee, we will be putting the T-shirt up on our website for pre-order,” Ives wrote in a February 25 post. “Resources like this are now more important than ever, given the hostility and oppression the federal government has adapted towards trans people in America.”

    He added, “I would not be where I am without the support I have been given by the dolls, so this is the least I could ever do to say thanks.”

    Celebrities Are On Board — Loud and Proud

    Soon after, a handful of celebrities helped the tee break the internet — in the best way possible.

    Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” wore the shirt while celebrating his 50th birthday with DJ and music producer Honey Dijon. A snap from the celebration made its way online, and the message spread like wildfire.

    Then came Troye Sivan, who brought the shirt to one of the world’s biggest stages — literally. While crashing Charli XCX’s Coachella 2025 set to perform their “Talk Talk” remix, Sivan rocked the tee in front of a global audience streaming live on YouTube. Later, he posted a backstage shot on Instagram alongside Lorde and Billie Eilish, who also joined Charli for her surprise-packed set.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by troye sivan (@troyesivan)

    And let’s not forget Haider Ackermann, the newly appointed creative director at Tom Ford. The Colombian-born French designer was seen wearing the shirt in a photo with actress Tilda Swinton — a moment that Ives gleefully reshared on his own social accounts.

    From Runway to Reality

    The buzz around the shirt hasn’t slowed down. On April 15, Ives reflected on the shirt’s unexpected journey in another Instagram post.

    “I never had any idea what this would turn into, what we would be able to do with the printing of a tee,” he wrote. “Couldn’t be more proud of everyone that made this possible — the early adopters (Haider, Pedro, Troye), the stylists that connected the dots (and bought the tees! No press loans here), and the hordes of people that have donated to @translifeline.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Conner Ives (@connerives)

    He added that the first round of shipments was going out that week, and thanked fans for their patience.

    Fashion With a Purpose

    The shirt has become more than a wardrobe staple — it’s a badge of solidarity and support during a critical time for the trans community.

    Trans Lifeline, the nonprofit benefiting from the T-shirt’s sales, is a trans-led organization that provides a crisis hotline, microgrants, and a network of peer support. Their mission is rooted in survival, empowerment, and building a more equitable future for trans people — something Ives clearly aligns with.

    The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt is available for purchase at connerives.com. And if you’re wondering — yes, it’s still flying off the digital shelves.