On April 22, 2025, at the Thunderbolts premiere, Pedro Pascal managed to steal the spotlight—not with his acting, but with his bold fashion choice. The actor appeared on the red carpet wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words “Protect the Dolls” in striking letters. Instantly, the internet buzzed with discussions about the shirt’s meaning, as photos of Pedro Pascal quickly circulated across social media platforms. The striking t-shirt choice left fans intrigued, wondering about the significance behind the phrase and why the actor decided to wear it to such a high-profile event.
The phrase “Protect the Dolls” serves as a poignant call to support and protect trans women and femmes, often referred to as “dolls” within the community. This slogan has become a rallying cry against the violence and political attacks faced by the transgender community. For Pedro Pascal, this choice wasn’t merely a fashion statement; it was a clear expression of advocacy and support.
Responses to Pedro Pascal’s shirt have been diverse and vigorous. While some praised him as a “progressive zaddy,” others dismissed the move as a mere attention grab. Some critics even speculated that the star didn’t understand the shirt’s deeper meaning and had been styled by a publicist. This theory loses ground given Pedro Pascal’s evident and personal connection to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly his outspoken support following his sister Lux’s coming out as transgender in 2021.
Pedro Pascal’s longstanding support for LGBTQ+ rights is well-documented, and his public voice for the transgender community has only intensified over the years. The actor has consistently highlighted trans rights in interviews and across his social media platforms, often expressing how proud he is of his sister Lux. For Pedro, wearing the “Protect the Dolls” shirt was a natural extension of his advocacy, reinforcing his commitment to visibility and support wherever he finds himself, including on the red carpet.
According to reports from USA Today, Pedro Pascal’s decision to wear the shirt was deliberate. The high-profile event served as an opportunity to remind audiences of the importance of visible support for marginalized communities. His fashion statement underscored that advocacy and solidarity can manifest in diverse places, be it a red carpet or any public forum.
Pedro Pascal is not new to advocacy through fashion or public expressions of support. His commitment to his sister Lux and the broader trans community is longstanding and has been expressed through various channels. In past social media posts, he has described Lux as “powerful” and “brilliant,” consistently standing by her side in championing trans rights. His shirt at the premiere resonated with many, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community, who viewed it as a gesture of genuine support and solidarity.
The phrase “Protect the Dolls” quickly began to trend online, gaining attention from supporters and critics alike. For some, it was a vulnerable statement of resistance and support, while others saw it as polarizing. Yet for those aligned with the movement Pedro passionately represents, it served as an affirmation that there are influential voices willing to challenge the status quo and speak up for inclusion and equality.
Ultimately, Pedro Pascal’s choice of attire signified more than mere fashion-forwardness at a prestigious Hollywood event. It represented standing up for marginalized groups and lending a voice to those who need it most. At its core, the shirt symbolized an unwavering commitment to activism, especially for a community that includes his own family. Pedro Pascal’s presence at the premiere thus became a powerful cultural moment, leaving an indelible mark on both the red carpet and social media discourse.
