QUEER WORD
DOLL

What It Means:

A term of endearment within some trans and drag communities, often used to refer to a fellow trans woman or transfeminine person. It’s a term of sisterhood, warmth, and solidarity, and is only sometimes delivered with a touch of playful shade.

Let’s Use It In A Sentence: 

Hey doll, I love that shade of lipstick - where’d you get it from?

Origins and History of ‘Doll’ in Queer Slang

You know how the term ‘Friend of Dorothy’ was often used by queer people as a subtle, coded way to identify each other without being detected by the straight people around them?

Well, that’s very much how the term ‘doll’ started being used.

It first started turning heads in the New York ballroom scene during the 1970s and 80s - imagine voguing, fierce looks, and houses that raised a generation of queer kids who had been kicked out of their homes and ostracised by their families.

Back then, doll was mostly used among trans women of colour, particularly Black and Latinx trans women, as a term of endearment, respect, and community. It wasn’t just a simple replacement for ‘hey, girl’ - think of it more like a whole ‘you are a queen, you are family, you are that bitch’.

It was about survival, sisterhood, and holding each other up in a world that was actively trying to tear them down.

From there, doll started to spread - into drag culture, into queer nightlife, and eventually into wider trans and queer slang. These days, you might hear it casually in conversations like:

It’s soft, it’s playful, it’s a little flirty—and yes, sometimes it’s used with a side of shade (because what’s queer slang without a bit of shade?).

But at its core, doll is a term of endearment that is about connection. It’s a word that says: I see you, I get you, you’re part of this fabulous, messy, glorious community.

FAQ: The Word ‘Doll’ in Queer and Trans Slang

What does ‘doll’ mean in queer slang?

In LGBTQ+ and especially trans communities, ‘doll’ is an affectionate, sometimes playful term used to address or refer to someone in the community. It’s often a way of expressing connection, admiration, or solidarity - like saying babe, but with a bit more specificity.

Where does ‘doll’ come from?

The term ‘doll’ originated in the New York City ballroom scene of the 1970s and 80s, where Black and Latinx trans women used it as a term of endearment and mutual recognition.

Is ‘doll’ only for trans women?

While ‘doll’ began as a term mainly used by and for trans women, especially trans women of colour, it’s since spread to other queer and trans communities. Today, you might hear it in drag circles, queer nightlife, or even in casual conversation between LGBTQ+ friends. That said, it’s always important to be mindful of context- ‘doll’ has roots in Black and Latinx trans communities, so use it with respect.

What does ‘Protect the Dolls’ mean?

Ah, ‘Protect the Dolls’ - this phrase has become a rallying cry in trans and queer spaces. It’s a way of reminding us that trans women, especially Black and brown trans women, face disproportionate violence and discrimination, and we all have a responsibility to stand up, speak out, and protect them.

Whether it’s about defending someone from harassment, supporting trans-led initiatives, or just showing up for your friends, ‘Protect the Dolls’ is a call to action: trans women are precious, and we all need to step up.

Can anyone use the word ‘doll’?

Like a lot of queer slang, ‘doll’ has layers. If you’re part of the queer or trans community and using it in a way that acknowledges its history and context, go for it! But if you’re not, or if you’re using it in a way that feels dismissive or mocking, then maybe think twice. ‘Doll’ is about love, not caricature.