Don Cheadle Sends Powerful Message While Hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ To ‘Protect Trans Kids’

Don Cheadle makes a statement to “Protect Trans Kids!”

Don took on hosting duties for “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, and the actor used his role to make a subtle political stance in support of transgender rights.

The actor donned a black t-shirt with the message “Protect Trans Kids” as he introduced musician Gary Clark, Jr.’s second set.

The “Black Monday” star didn’t address the shirt, but stood with his arms behind back, putting the message on full display.

Several fans took to Twitter after the broadcast to tweet messages of appreciation to the actor and “SNL” Don’s support of the trans community.

Hey @DonCheadle, as a trans woman, I can't emphasize enough how much it means to see you do this on SNL. Thank you for standing strong with trans children. It means the world. <3 https://t.co/MrsAyDNEso

— Charlotte Clymer🏳️‍🌈 (@cmclymer) February 17, 2019

I would like to issue a public word of thanks to the amazing Don Cheadle who used his platform on #SNL to speak out for the amazing and valuable lives of Trans Kids.#ProtectTransKids 🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/tzmJkw4W4P

— Vincent Schilling (@VinceSchilling) February 17, 2019

God bless Don Cheadle. Nothing but respect for MY Rhodey #SNL #ProtectTransKids pic.twitter.com/KtOiJXzotQ

— Rachel || 💖💜💙 (@whydyouhave2BOO) February 17, 2019

Thank you Don Cheadle for using your platform to help save lives. 🏳️‍🌈❤️#ProtectTransKids #SNL pic.twitter.com/XOGsr44h6N

— Q. Allan Brocka (@allanbrocka) February 17, 2019

Thank you @DonCheadle for speaking up for trans kids on #SNL in the US. Allies like you help to build a safe and healthy future for LGBT people #ProtectTransKids #EqualityWins 🏳️‍🌈 https://t.co/eVRNvA1L3w

— LGBT Foundation (@LGBTfdn) February 17, 2019

That wasn’t the only subtle statement Don made with his attire. “Queer Eye’s” Kamaro Brown caught on to another message during “SNL’s” close when the actor donned a Soviet Union hockey jersey with “Trump” and the number “45” emblazoned on the back.

I have always been a fan of @DonCheadle but him wearing a protect trans youth T-shirt & Soviet Union hockey jersey w/ “Trump” & “45” on the back on @nbcsnl have now put me in the super fan category. Subtle, Masterful yet Effective. #Bravo pic.twitter.com/3R6qxZHXu8

— Karamo Brown (@Karamo) February 17, 2019

Don was feeling the love on social media on Sunday. He tweeted out thanks to his fans, writing, “to each and every one of you beautiful tweeps. I awoke to so much support and love!! Thank you @nbcsnl for the opportunity to play and pay respect and throw shade in an historic space in an historic time. Keep fighting, y’all. Evil grows in the dark. 😘”

♥️✌🏿✊🏿 to each and every one of you beautiful tweeps. i awoke to so much support and love!! thank you @nbcsnl for the opportunity to play and pay respect and throw shade in an historic space in an historic time. keep fighting, y'all. evil grows in the dark. 😘

— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) February 17, 2019