MATTEL CELEBRATES LAVERNE COX WITH FIRST TRANSGENDER BARBIE

A difference can also be made with a doll. Mattel launched right on the heels of Pride Month the Barbie Doll tribute to actress and transgender activist Laverne Cox. The Barbie Tribute Collection line celebrates characters who have inspired people with their contributions to society.

Laverne Cox, a four-time Emmy nominee and winner and the first transgender person of African-American descent to land a starring role in a television series, fully embodies the values of the Tribute collection-thanks in part to the activist work with which she has always made her voice heard for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In true Laverne Cox style, the set dedicated to her includes a red tulle dress, red carpet boots and a sparkling silver jumpsuit. Completing the look are silver earrings and glamorous Hollywood-style make-up and hairdo. Mattel’s choice continues the path taken by the company with a focus on diversity and inclusion, giving everyone the opportunity to feel represented.

To celebrate Laverne’s 50th birthday, Barbie will make a donation in her name to TransFamilySOS, a noprofit association very close to Laverne and the transgender community that aims to create welcoming spaces across the United States, including providing health insurance and psychological support.

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate award-winning actress, producer, writer and LGBTQ+ rights trailblazer Laverne Cox with a doll,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel. “We are proud to highlight the importance of inclusion and acceptance at all ages and to recognize Laverne’s significant impact on culture with a Barbie Tribute Collection.”

“It has been a dream for years to work with Barbie to create my doll,” said Laverne Cox. “I look forward to fans finding my doll on the shelves and having the opportunity to add a Barbie doll modeled after a transgender person to their collection. I hope people can look at this Barbie and dream big as I did in my career. The space of dreaming and manifesting is such a powerful source and it leads you to achieve more than what you initially thought was possible.”