The Barbie Doll is celebrating Laverne Cox’s 50th birthday and is just in time for Pride month!
As part of their Tribute Collection, Mattel is rolling out a new Barbie Doll that looks like Emmy-nominated trans actress Laverne Cox!
Credit: Elizabeth Braunstein/Mattel
“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,” Cox said in a statement.
“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.”
Related | Disney Releases First’ Pride Collection’ Ahead of June
In addition to providing young trans youth with an inclusive doll that looks like them, Mattel is also donating TransFamilySOS, a nonprofit fighting to create a gender-affirming and accepting community for everyone.
Cox worked behind the scenes on the Mattel doll for over a year. In the end, her Barbie is wearing an outfit inspired by her iconic red carpet looks, a silver bodysuit with an oxblood red (her favorite color) tule gown layered over the top. Cox said she had the final say in all decisions, including shoes, shades, sketches, and skin tone.
Credit: Mattel
“When I was a kid, I didn’t have access to gender-affirming care,” Cox told Refinery29.
“We lived in a world that deeply stigmatized trans people. I didn’t even really understand that it was possible for me to be my authentic self. I grew up in that world, and now I have a Barbie doll. So anything is possible.”
The Tribute Collection also includes dolls resembling Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald, and Vera Wang.
You can shop the doll online and at Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
