Oscar-nominated actor (and Marvel Avenger) Don Cheadle made a strong political statement without uttering a word during his hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live” Feb. 16.
While introducing the show’s musical act, Cheadle wore a black t-shirt with the words “PROTECT TRANS KIDS” emblazoned on the front.
Cheadle did not explain why he wore the shirt, but is known for being an activist and has spoken out about the Trump administration’s policies before.
Under the Trump administration, young transgender people have faced discrimination, including policies to define a person’s sex and gender, as well as rescinding Obama-era protections for transgender children.
Celebrities and fans alike took to Twitter to show their support for Cheadle’s message.
https://twitter.com/LauraJaneGrace/status/1097264079696211973?s=20
@DonCheadle thank you for joining the fight with me and so many others. My daughter has lived her truth for 11 years. And as a Black mother of a Black trans daughter seeing a Black cis man openly say to protect kids like her means the world to me. #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/synQm2jm1D
— DeShanna (they/them), MS, CFLE (@Trinsmamabear) February 17, 2019
To merely tolerate is to say "Live and Let Live" but to be a TRUE Ally means speaking the truth in front of the world. Thank you @DonCheadle @nbcsnl #ProtectTransKids #translivesmatter #TransIsBeautiful pic.twitter.com/58sJRgxZYx
— Miss Peppermint. BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER (@Peppermint247) February 18, 2019
“Saturday Night Live” airs weekly on NBC.