Barbie Is Releasing an Official Laverne Cox Doll in Time For Pride

In celebration of trans icon and four-time Emmy nominee Laverne Cox’s 50th birthday, and just in time for Pride season, Mattel and Barbie are releasing a brand new Laverne Cox Barbie doll as a part of their Tribute Collection.

 

This doll is the first of its kind for Barbie, giving trans girls a doll who looks like and is like them. Not only that, but the doll celebrates trans rights and the people who fight for them. Barbie is also making a donation in Cox’s name to TransFamilySOS, a nonprofit whose mission is to create a more gender-affirming and accepting community.

 

 

By honoring Cox, Barbie is showing kids of all ages that trans women are women, that trans trailblazers deserve a place of honor, and that trans girls are welcome in the world of Barbie.

Mattel and Barbie worked closely with Cox while designing and sculpting the doll. Not only is the doll based off of some of her iconic red carpet looks, but Cox had input in the doll’s wardrobe, including picking her favorite color, oxblood red, for her gown. Cox also approved every part of the doll, including sketches, skin tone samples, and shoes. 

“It’s been a dream for years to work with Barbie to create my own doll,” Laverne Cox said in a statement. “I can’t wait for fans to find my doll on shelves and have the opportunity to add a Barbie doll modeled after a transgender person to their collection. I hope that people can look at this Barbie and dream big like I have in my career.  The space of dreaming and manifesting is such a powerful source and leads you to achieve more than what you originally thought was possible.”

I know this is one doll I can’t wait to add to my collection! So many trans girls grow up wishing we had dolls (and specifically, Barbies) to play with — now there’s one made especially for us.

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate award-winning actress, producer, writer and LGBTQ+ rights trailblazer Laverne Cox with a doll,” Lisa McKnight, Mattel's executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls, said in a statement. “We are proud to highlight the importance of inclusion and acceptance at every age and to recognize Laverne’s significant impact on culture with a Tribute Collection Barbie.”

The Tribute Collection also includes Barbies of Lucille Ball and Queen Elizabeth II, and now, it includes Laverne Cox as well.

The Laverne Cox Barbie Doll is available online and at Walmart and Target locations across the country starting today, May 25, with a suggested retail price of $39.99.

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source: By Mey Rude www.out.com