“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,” Laverne Cox said.
You may know Cox for her role in the Emmy-nominated television series Orange Is the New Black. More importantly, Laverne Cox is making history as the model and inspiration for the first-ever transgender Barbie doll. The release from the American toy company, Mattel, comes just in time for the upcoming Pride season.
The beautiful Barbie doll comes with multiple outfit combinations to customize her look. Below she can be seen wearing a silver metallic bodysuit underneath a removable gorgeous red tulle dress. Cox said she had input throughout the entire process down to the smallest details including her dramatic makeup and highlighted hair.
The release of the new transgender doll shows the company’s continued effort to rebrand and represent a more ‘realistic world.’ In previous years the company received backlash for their stereotypical ‘picture-perfect’ dolls. This brought up concerns about body image issues as children were comparing their appearance to Barbie.
Laverne Cox is overjoyed with the release of the Barbie doll. She continues to use her voice and activism in the transgender community, encouraging people to ‘live more authentically’ and ‘move beyond societal expectations.’
“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,” Cox said.
Having a role model as powerful as Laverne Cox is exactly what today’s youth need to feel inspired and impactful. At an event in 2015, she gave some wonderful advice to a 7-year-old Trans little girl.
Executive Vice President for Mattel and global head of Barbie and dolls, Lisa McKnight shared the importance of adding this new doll to their collection.
“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate award-winning actress, producer, writer, and LGBTQ+ rights trailblazer Laverne Cox with a doll. 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 exclusive doll is available for purchase on the Mattel Creations site online.
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