Pop star Troye Sivan joined Charli XCX at the Coachella music festival on Saturday night, wearing a Conner Ives “Protect the Dolls,” T-Shirt, a pro trans-rights top, the proceeds of which are donated to the charity Trans Lifeline.

Why It Matters

President Donald Trump has taken steps to unravel protections for transgender people, and transgender rights have been under scrutiny since his 2024 presidential campaign.

Shortly after his inauguration on January 20, Trump issued an executive order saying it is “the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” targeted gender-affirming care for transgender youths, banned trans people from serving in the military and excluded trans women from competing in female sports.

What To Know

The term “Protect the Dolls” has links to ’80s ballroom culture and references transgender women.

The T-shirt was worn by the British fashion designer Conner Ives at his AW25 show during London Fashion Week and following what he later described as a “groundswell of support,” was made more widely available.

The T-shirt is available on pre-order and retails at $95.

In a post on his Instagram talking about the charity Trans Lifeline, Ives wrote, “Resources like this are now more important than ever, given the hostility and oppression the federal government has adopted towards trans people in America.”

Sivan wore the T-shirt during his appearance at Coachella. He was one of multiple guests to join Charli XCX for her headline set, with Lorde and Billie Eilish both joining her onstage.

“The One of Your Girls” singer shared multiple pictures of the T-shirt to his 15.6 million followers on Instagram, including him wearing it, Conner Ives’ Instagram post and a picture of him wearing the T-shirt while hugging the transgender supermodel Alex Consani.

Sivan is not the only star to have worn the T-shirt, with the actor Pedro Pascal recently having donned the top while out celebrating his 50th birthday.

What People Are Saying

Conner Ives, fashion designer, in a post on Instagram: “All proceeds generated from the sale of this T-shirt will go directly to Trans Lifeline, a U.S.-based, trans-led organization that delivers lifesaving 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.

“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.”

One social media user wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Troye wearing a shirt saying, “Protect the Dolls.” I am sobbing.”

Another social media user wrote on X: “Protect the Dolls is so iconic.”

What’s Next

Transgender rights have become a lightning rod for conservative criticism. Trump is facing multiple legal challenges over his unraveling of protections for transgender people.