Mariah Carey's 'Protect the Dolls' jacket to be auctioned in support of GLAAD's Transgender Media Program

Global LGBTQ+ media organization GLAAD has announced an exclusive auction for Mariah Carey's renowned 'Protect the Dolls' jacket. This distinctive garment, famously worn by the pop icon during her performance at this year's Brighton & Hove Pride, represents a unique convergence of pop culture and vital social activism.

The rhinestone-embellished jacket, a vibrant pink piece emblazoned with the powerful message "Protect the Dolls" on its reverse, will be available for global bidding on eBay. The auction is scheduled to commence on Monday, December 8th, and will conclude on December 15th.

All proceeds generated from the sale will be entirely dedicated to GLAAD’s crucial Transgender Media Program. Carey, celebrated as the best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, prominently showcased the jacket during her August 2nd performance at Pride in the Park, signaling her unequivocal support for the transgender community.

The phrase "Protect the Dolls" carries significant cultural weight within the LGBTQ+ community. Originating from ballroom culture, it serves as a powerful affirmation of trans equality, specifically advocating for the safety and recognition of trans women. Its prominence has been further amplified through designs by figures such as Conner Ives, cementing its status as an emblem of solidarity and advocacy.

The Transgender Media Programme, the beneficiary of this initiative, stands at the forefront of GLAAD's efforts to ensure accurate, respectful, and inclusive representation of transgender individuals in media.

With a staff that has proudly included trans individuals for over 25 years, the program collaborates extensively with national news outlets, television networks, film studios, and Spanish-language media to feature authentic narratives from the trans community. Furthermore, GLAAD partners closely with trans individuals and advocacy groups to heighten awareness of transgender issues and offers invaluable free media training, empowering trans people to articulate their experiences and stories effectively.