Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast lead pro-trans ‘Protect the Dolls’ chant at BravoCon
Bronwyn Newport decalres “Protect the Dolls” at BravoCon. (John Shearer/Joe Maher/Getty)
Bronwyn Newport decalres "Protect the Dolls" at BravoCon. (John Shearer/Joe Maher/Getty)
Cast members of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, led by Bronwyn Newport, erupted into a chant of “protect the dolls” at BravoCon at the weekend.
In a recent interview, LGBTQ+ ally Bronwyn Newport called on “Bravolebrities” to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans men and women. “Nobody gets more gender-affirming care than the housewives,” she said. “So, if your favourite housewife is not standing up for the community, especially the trans community, you need to DM them and push them to stand up for your rights, especially now.”
In light of the statement, one fan at the event in Las Vegas said: “You did an interview and said you wish more of the housewives would use their platform to represent and talk about trans topics and issues. Could [you] get a couple of the girls to do a little protect the dolls chant? That would be really helpful.”
Newport replied: “I think our cast is one of the very best at standing up for the community. I know everyone up here has done personal things, donations, volunteering and using their platform. We are doing a great job as a cast.”
She then led her cast mates in the chant, which prompted the audience to join in.
“Protect The Dolls” is used as an informal descriptor for trans women or trans-feminine non-binary people. It first emerged as part of 80s ballroom culture, coined by Black, Latina and non-white trans women. It has re-emerged more recently and earlier this year, actor Pedro Pascal was seen wearing a t-shirt bearing the phrase.
Last year, Newport joined a protest outside the US Supreme Court to campaign for gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youngsters, in the face of attacks by Donald Trump.
The president has declared it official US policy that there are “only two sexes”. He has also instigated a ban on trans people serving in the military and restricted gender-affirming healthcare for trans people under the age of 19 as well as seeking to exclude trans women from female sports.
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