Tommy Dorfman sends powerful message at Met Gala with ‘protect trans kids’ bag
Tommy Dorfman attended the Met Gala with a “Protect Trans Kids” message. (Getty)
Tommy Dorfman delivered a powerful message in support of trans kids at the Met Gala, and fans were blown away.
The 13 Reasons Why star made her Met Gala debut on Monday night (2 May) with a sensational Christopher Kane gown. She also sported a small green handbag with the message “Protect Trans Kids” written on it.
Speaking to Variety, Dorfman sent a powerful message of hope to trans youth in Texas, who have had their right to exist threatened in recent weeks.
“I want to say that you are loved, you are valued, I’m hoping that trans women like myself and trans people on these carpets help you feel seen as much as possible and know that it does get better and we’re supporting you all the time.”
She added: “I think trans representation, if I had had it as a kid, if I’d seen it on the carpet as a kid, would have really helped me understand myself.”
Tommy Dorfman on the importance of trans representation at the #MetGala: “I’m hoping that trans women like myself and trans people on these carpets help you feel seen as much as possible.” https://t.co/2kVWwK9Yn6 pic.twitter.com/WfVkWLmNQp
— Variety (@Variety) May 2, 2022
Dorfman’s message comes after a devastating few weeks for trans youth in the United States. More than a dozen states have enacted laws that restrict trans athletes’ ability to participate in sports, while others have introduced bills attacking trans healthcare.
In Texas, governor Greg Abbott has tried to frame gender-affirming care for trans youth as “child abuse”. Efforts to stop parents from helping their children access the right care have been condemned by the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the ACLU has sued to prevent laws being implemented.
Tommy Dorfman came out as a trans woman in 2021
Tommy Dorfman has emerged as a vocal advocate for trans youth since she came out as trans in July 2021.
Speaking to TIME magazine in 2021, Dorfman said she had been “privately identifying and living as a woman” for almost a year.
“It’s funny to think about coming out, because I haven’t gone anywhere. I view today as a reintroduction to me as a woman, having made a transition medically.
“Coming out is always viewed as this grand reveal, but I was never not out. Today is about clarity: I am a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her. My name is Tommy.”
