Protect the Dolls

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Actor Pedro Pascal, who stars in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, made a powerful statement at the London premiere of Marvel Studio’s “Thunderbolts”. In light of increasing anti-transgender sentiment, he expressed support for the transgender community. Pascal will portray Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and is set to reprise his role in both “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars”. As a globally recognized actor, he’s using his influence to draw attention to an issue that matters deeply to him.

*Note: The title of the movie mentioned as “Thunderbolts*” is not an actual Marvel Studios movie, it was just used for this example.

At the London premiere of *Thunderbolts*, actor Pedro Pascal sported a white T-shirt bearing the message “Protect the Dolls.” This term is used fondly within the LGBTQ+ community to refer to transgender women. The shirt is linked to designer Conner Ives’s campaign, aiming to shed light on the growing anti-transgender sentiments globally. Proceeds from the sale of this “Protect the Dolls” shirt are being channeled to Trans Lifeline, a hotline service that provides assistance to transgender individuals in distress. (Source: People)

In addition to advocating for transgender rights openly, it’s worth noting that Pascal’s sibling, Lux Pascal, came out as a transgender woman in 2021. Unfortunately, Pascal’s former co-star on “The Mandalorian,” Gina Carano, made insensitive and transphobic remarks on social media platforms. These posts, coupled with spreading false information about vaccines and the 2020 election, ultimately resulted in Carano being dismissed not only from “The Mandalorian” but also her upcoming spin-off series, “Rangers of the New Republic.” In contrast, Pascal is currently appearing in HBO’s “The Last of Us” Season 2, which will soon include a transgender character. Pascal isn’t shy about standing up for transgender individuals, and it’s heartening to see that he’s not alone among Marvel Cinematic Universe stars in this regard.

MCU Actors Taking a Stand Over the Years

During the premiere of Thunderbolts, Pedro Pascal made a statement by wearing his shirt, following a contentious U.K. Supreme Court ruling that established the definition of a woman as biologically determined, excluding transgender women. This decision sparked controversy, with figures like J.K. Rowling expressing support through a provocative post depicting her smoking a cigar and drinking whiskey. Conversely, protests occurred in London, as protesters feared this decision could erode the rights of transgender women. The outlook is similarly grim in America, where Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting recognition to only two genders. Anti-transgender sentiments are escalating, but some individuals are refusing to remain silent on the issue.

Pascal, starring in an MCU role, isn’t the only actor to publicly show solidarity with the transgender community through clothing. During the promotion of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Tatiana Maslany donned a shirt saying “Support Trans Future.” Similarly, Don Cheadle, famously known as War Machine, sported a “Protect Trans Kids” shirt on Saturday Night Live in 2019. It’s heartening to observe actors portraying superheroes using their influence to advocate for justice and protect those most vulnerable.

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2025-04-23 21:01