On the Podcast: How the Viral ‘Protect the Dolls’ and ‘Promote Homosexuality’ T-Shirts Were Made – Vogue

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Jun 26, 2025 - 12:00
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On the Podcast: How the Viral ‘Protect the Dolls’ and ‘Promote Homosexuality’ T-Shirts Were Made – Vogue

Report on Pride Week Discussions and Sustainable Development Goals Integration

Introduction

During Pride Week, The Run-Through podcast featured a special episode hosted by José Criales-Unzueta alongside designers Conner Ives and Willie Norris. The episode highlighted significant cultural moments and fashion statements that resonate with the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the role of media and fashion in promoting inclusivity and awareness aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Highlights from the Episode

  1. Conner Ives’ “Protect the Dolls” T-Shirt
    • The design gained viral popularity, worn by celebrities such as Troye Sivan and Pedro Pascal.
    • This initiative supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by advocating for the protection and visibility of marginalized groups.
  2. Willie Norris’ “Promote Homosexuality” Moment
    • Willie Norris created a memorable statement that continues to influence conversations around LGBTQ+ rights.
    • This aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality, promoting acceptance and equal rights regardless of sexual orientation.
  3. Discussion on Corporate Rainbow-Washing
    • The hosts critically examined the commercialization of Pride, questioning the authenticity of corporate representation.
    • This discussion ties into SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, encouraging ethical practices in marketing and corporate social responsibility.

Additional Coverage

  • Political Developments: Chioma and Chloe analyzed Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City’s mayoral primary, highlighting the importance of diverse political representation (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
  • Fashion Industry Updates: The episode also covered key moments from Paris Men’s Fashion Week, emphasizing the role of fashion in cultural expression and social inclusion (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Conclusion

This episode of The Run-Through successfully integrated discussions around Pride with the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. By spotlighting fashion as a medium for advocacy and addressing issues such as inequality, representation, and ethical consumption, the podcast contributes to advancing global goals for a more inclusive and equitable society.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

  1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses LGBTQ+ representation and rights, which relates to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, including sexual minorities.
  2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The themes of representation, inclusion, and combating discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities connect to reducing inequalities within and among countries.
  3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The mention of political participation (Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win) ties into promoting inclusive societies and ensuring responsive, inclusive decision-making.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

  1. SDG 5 Targets:
    • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, extended here to include LGBTQ+ individuals.
    • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
  2. SDG 10 Targets:
    • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
  3. SDG 16 Targets:
    • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

  1. Indicator for SDG 5:
    • Proportion of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership positions and political offices (implied by Zohran Mamdani’s electoral success).
    • Incidence of discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity (implied by discussions on representation and corporate rainbow-washing).
  2. Indicator for SDG 10:
    • Measures of social inclusion and equality in media and corporate representation (implied by the critique of commercial “representation” and rainbow-washing).
  3. Indicator for SDG 16:
    • Proportion of elected officials from minority groups, including LGBTQ+ communities (implied by political participation highlighted in the article).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • 5.1: End discrimination against all women and girls (including LGBTQ+ individuals)
  • 5.5: Ensure full participation and equal opportunities in leadership
  • Proportion of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership and political roles
  • Incidence of discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities by eliminating discriminatory laws and practices
  • Measures of social inclusion and equality in media and corporate representation
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • 16.7: Ensure inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
  • Proportion of elected officials from minority groups, including LGBTQ+ communities

Source: vogue.com