A powerful surge of solidarity echoed through BravoCon as cast members of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, spearheaded by Bronwyn Newport, united in a resounding chant: “Protect the dolls.” The moment wasn’t spontaneous; it was a direct response to a call for action, a visible demonstration of support for a community facing increasing challenges.
Newport, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, recently challenged her fellow “Bravolebrities” to leverage their platforms for meaningful change. She pointed to the irony of a group often benefiting from transformative self-expression remaining silent on issues of gender identity, specifically urging fans to demand accountability from housewives who weren’t actively supporting the trans community.
The request came directly from a fan at the Las Vegas event, who recognized Newport’s previous statements and proposed a public display of solidarity. “Could you get a couple of the girls to do a little ‘protect the dolls’ chant?” the fan asked, hoping to amplify the message and inspire wider support.
Newport didn’t hesitate. She affirmed her cast’s commitment, highlighting their individual efforts – donations, volunteer work, and consistent use of their influence – before leading the chant. The audience, energized by the moment, quickly joined in, transforming the convention hall into a chorus of support.
“Protect the dolls” is more than just a phrase; it’s a deeply rooted expression of love and defense originating within 1980s ballroom culture. Coined by Black, Latina, and non-white trans women, it served as a rallying cry for a community often marginalized and vulnerable.
The phrase has experienced a recent resurgence, gaining visibility beyond its original context. Actor Pedro Pascal’s public wearing of a “Protect the Dolls” t-shirt earlier this year further propelled the message into mainstream awareness, demonstrating a growing understanding of its significance.
Newport’s advocacy extends beyond social media and convention halls. Last year, she stood in protest outside the US Supreme Court, passionately defending gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth amidst escalating political opposition.
The backdrop to this activism is a concerning trend of restrictive policies. Recent actions have included declarations limiting the definition of sex to only two categories, bans on trans individuals serving in the military, and limitations on access to vital gender-affirming care for young people, alongside attempts to exclude trans women from participating in female sports.
The chant at BravoCon wasn’t just a moment of performance; it was a declaration of intent, a promise to use influence for good, and a powerful reminder that allyship requires consistent, visible action.
