In a heartwarming display of solidarity and support, a simple t-shirt design has made a significant impact, raising a staggering $70,000 for trans individuals in need. The ‘Protect the dolls’ t-shirt, designed to raise awareness and funds for the trans community, has caught the attention of several high-profile celebrities who have proudly worn the design on their social media platforms. This initiative, which aims to protect and support trans people, has sparked a wave of attention and admiration from fans and allies alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the celebrities who have proudly worn the ‘Protect the dolls’ t-shirt, and the impact this simple yet powerful design has had on the trans community.
The Birth of a Movement
At Geeksultd, we’re no strangers to fashion statements that spark meaningful conversations. In the latest development, a simple T-shirt has taken the fashion world by storm, raising a staggering $70,000 in pre-sales for transgender people. The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, designed by Conner Ives, has become a symbol of support for trans rights, with all proceeds going to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit organization that offers peer support, direct aid, a crisis hotline, and resources to uplift transgender people.
The Viral T-Shirt: Conner Ives’ “Protect the Dolls” at London Fashion Week
It all began at London Fashion Week in late February, when Conner Ives walked out to take his bow, wearing a slogan T-shirt that read “Protect the Dolls.” The T-shirt quickly went viral, prompting Ives to put it on sale. As reported by Geeksultd, Ives wrote in an Instagram post from February 25: “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 tomorrow at 5 pm GMT. All proceeds generated from the sale of this T-shirt will go directly to @translifeline a US-based, trans-led organization that delivers life-saving services to those who need them most.”
From Runway to Reality: How the T-Shirt Became a Symbol of Support for Trans Rights
The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt has transcended its origins as a fashion statement, becoming a powerful symbol of support for trans rights. By putting the T-shirt on sale, Ives has raised awareness and funds for a critical cause, leveraging the power of fashion to drive meaningful change.
Celebrity Endorsements
What started as a standalone moment at a fashion show has become a must-have for celebrities wanting to take a stance in support of trans rights. The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt has been spotted on several high-profile figures, including Troye Sivan, Pedro Pascal, and Haider Ackermann.
Troye Sivan: Wearing His Heart on His Sleeve
Troye Sivan was one of the guest performers who crashed Charli XCX’s set at the 2025 Coachella Festival. As he joined XCX on the stage to perform “Talk Talk” from the Brat remix album, audiences spotted that he was wearing the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, delivering a message of support for transgender people through the international reach of Coachella as a festival that is livestreamed for free on YouTube.
Pedro Pascal: Celebrating His 50th Birthday in Style
Pedro Pascal was spotted wearing the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt in a picture celebrating his 50th birthday alongside DJ and music producer Honey Dijon. As expected, the photo went immediately viral, amplifying the message of – and demand for – the T-shirt.
Haider Ackermann: A Landmark Year and a Powerful Statement
Haider Ackermann, the Colombian-born, French designer, was also spotted wearing the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt in a photo – posing with actress Tilda Swinton – that has since been re-shared by Conner Ives himself. Ackermann, who was appointed as the new Creative Director of Tom Ford in February, has had a landmark year so far – and the picture of him wearing this T-shirt has certainly made the rounds across social networks.
Pedro Pascal’s Birthday Message: Wearing the T-Shirt to Raise Awareness
Pedro Pascal, known for his iconic roles in Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian, wore the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt on his 50th birthday, sending a powerful message of support for the transgender community. The photo, taken alongside DJ and music producer Honey Dijon, went viral, amplifying the message of the T-shirt and increasing its demand.
Troye Sivan Takes the Stage: Using Coachella to Amplify the Message
Troye Sivan, a South African-born Australian singer-songwriter, took the stage at the 2025 Coachella Festival, wearing the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt. As he performed alongside Charli XCX, Lorde, and Billie Eilish, the international reach of Coachella as a festival livestreamed on YouTube helped spread the message of support for transgender people.
Haider Ackermann’s Landmark Moment: Posing with Tilda Swinton in Solidarity
Colombian-born, French designer Haider Ackermann, recently appointed as the new Creative Director of Tom Ford, was spotted wearing the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt in a photo with actress Tilda Swinton. The picture, shared by Conner Ives himself, has made the rounds across social networks, further solidifying the T-shirt’s status as a symbol of acceptance and love.
The Impact and Implications
Raising $70,000 and Counting: The Power of Fashion for Social Change
The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt has raised $70,000 and counting, with all proceeds going to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit organization that offers peer support, direct aid, a crisis hotline, and resources meant to uplift transgender people. This remarkable feat demonstrates the power of fashion as a tool for social change.
Trans Lifeline: The Organization Behind the Movement and Its Mission
Trans Lifeline is a US-based, trans-led organization that provides life-saving services to those who need them most. The hotline connects trans people to a wider community, offering support and resources they need to survive and thrive.
The Cultural Phenomenon: How the T-Shirt Became a Symbol of Acceptance and Love
The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt has transcended its status as a mere fashion item, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of acceptance and love. Its widespread adoption by celebrities and individuals alike has turned it into a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting social change.
Conclusion
In “Protect the Dolls,” a t-shirt campaign raised a staggering $70,000 for trans individuals, sparking a much-needed conversation about visibility, acceptance, and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. The article highlights the pivotal role celebrities played in promoting the campaign, wearing the t-shirt as a symbol of solidarity and support. By donning the “Protect the Dolls” tee, these influencers not only raised awareness but also demonstrated their commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
The significance of this campaign extends beyond the financial contributions, as it underscores the power of social media in fostering empathy and understanding. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue leveraging these platforms to create a culture of acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. The “Protect the Dolls” campaign serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a future where trans people can live freely and authentically, without fear of persecution or marginalization.
