(Doll images from Mattel.com)
Just in time for LGBTQ Pride Month, Mattel released the next Barbie doll in its Tribute Collection May 25, and she is a member of the LGBTQ community.
Barbie’s Tribute Collection celebrates women who contributed to and shaped different cultures and the iconic toy brand is honoring transgender activist and four-time Emmy nominated actress Laverne Cox, who celebrates her 50th birthday on May 29.
Cox made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category for her role in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.”
The company will also be making a donation in Cox’s name to TransFamilySOS, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by shaping a gender-affirming and accepting community.
Cox was involved in the creation process and approved every part of the doll, from the skin tone all the way down to what shoes her doll wears. She also chose her favorite color – oxblood red – as the color of her gown.
“It’s been a dream for years to work with Barbie to create my own doll,” 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.”
“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. “We are proud to highlight the importance of inclusion and acceptance at every age and recognize Laverne’s significant impact on culture with a Tribute Collection Barbie.”
Cox joins other pop culture icons in the Barbie Tribute Collection including TV legend Lucille Ball and her royal highness herself, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Laverne Cox Barbie Doll is available online, as well as at Walmart and Target locations across the country.
