Wearing a “Protect the Dolls” t-shirt, Madonna stood up for trans rights on social media.
The t-shirt was created by fashion designer Conner Ives, and he wore it to Fashion Week in London earlier this year. “Dolls” is a slang term that refers to trans women associated with ballroom culture.
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Proceeds from the t-shirt go to support the Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit that runs a crisis hotline by and for transgender people and that gives microgrants to trans people.
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Protect the Dolls! @HRC pic.twitter.com/oSSsmeqZoc
— Madonna (@Madonna) May 29, 2025
“As much as we are in peril, I didn’t want to create a show that created the feeling of peril,” Ives told Dazed Digital about the t-shirt. “I’ve been so nurtured and supported by such beautiful and incredible women. I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for the dolls.”
After Ives wore the t-shirt at Fashion Week, actor and trans ally Pedro Pascal got attention when he wore it to his 50th birthday party in April. Pascal shared his outfit for the festivities on social media, wearing the t-shirt and a cap with “House of Dijon” written on it. The viral pic showed trans DJ and icon Honey Dijon nuzzling with The Last of Us actor.
Pedro Pascal with Honey Dijon at his 50th birthday party pic.twitter.com/NpyN4TNkzp
— Pedro Pascal Daily (@pascalarchive) April 6, 2025
Madonna has long been an outspoken advocate of the LGBTQ+ community. Madonna has spoken previously about her friend Martin, who died of complications related to HIV/AIDS, including in a speech while accepting the Advocate for Change Award at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2019. More recently, she added a Nashville date to her Celebration Tour in protest of Tennessee’s anti-drag and anti-trans laws, pledging a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to organizations advocating for transgender rights.
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