David Tennant, known for iconic roles like the Tenth Doctor, once again voiced his support for trans rights with a powerful sartorial statement during a recent appearance in Edinburgh.
At “An Evening With… David Tennant,” a fundraising event for the Lyceum Theatre, the actor took the stage wearing a “Protect The Dolls” T-shirt. This wasn’t a spontaneous decision; Tennant has consistently used his platform to advocate for the trans community.
The phrase “Protect The Dolls” carries deep resonance within the LGBTQ+ community, originating in 1980s Ballroom culture as an affectionate term for trans women and transfeminine non-binary individuals. Its visibility surged after actor Pedro Pascal was photographed wearing a similar shirt earlier this year.
Tennant’s choice echoes a growing movement of solidarity, but his advocacy extends beyond a single T-shirt. He’s been seen wearing a trans flag-themed TARDIS badge on television, and a bold shirt declaring “Leave trans kids alone, you absolute freaks” during promotional appearances.
His support isn’t limited to public events. Tennant also wore a non-binary pin to a musical opening and a trans-rights shirt to his child’s school Pride celebration, demonstrating a commitment woven into his everyday life.
One particular shirt, emblazoned with the phrase “You Will Have To Go Through Me,” saw a significant surge in sales after Tennant wore it, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund for trans students in Canada.
The Edinburgh event wasn’t solely focused on advocacy. Tennant also reflected on his early career and the importance of arts funding, expressing concern over dwindling opportunities for aspiring artists.
He emphasized that subsidized arts programs are crucial for nurturing talent, pointing to successful figures like Olivia Colman and Sam Mendes who began their careers in these environments. Without this support, he warned, the pipeline for future generations of artists is at risk.
Tennant described the arts industry as “precarious,” highlighting the vulnerability of a sector reliant on consistent funding and support for emerging creatives.
His appearance served as a reminder that artistic expression and social advocacy can powerfully intersect, using his voice and visibility to champion a cause he deeply believes in.
