Laverne Cox Becomes First Transgender Person To Have Barbie Designed In Her Image
Laverne Cox is making history as she becomes the first trans woman to have a Barbie doll designed after her.
According to the Washington Post, the Emmy winning stress and LGBTQ rights activist notes the challenges faced by the trans community, particularly for young people. While appearing on NBC’s Today Show earlier this week, she says the doll advocates for the underrepresented community during a time when transgender rights are coming under legislative attack in the U.S.
“I hope all the kids who are feeling stigmatized when their health care is being jeopardized, whose ability to play sports [is curtailed], I hope they can see this Barbie and feel a sense of hope and possibility,” she said, according to the Post.
The Orange Is the New Black star is one of America’s most prominent trans activists with her ability to move “beyond societal expectations to live more authentically” was praised by Barbie maker Mattel. Previously, Cox has publicly detailed her struggles as a Black transgender woman and supported other trans people fighting against restrictive laws.
The Laverne Cox doll is a part of Barbie’s “Tribute Collection,” which also honored Lucille Ball and designer Vera Wang.
"As a four-time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and the first transgender woman of color to have a leading role on a scripted TV show, Laverne Cox uses her voice to amplify the message of moving beyond societal expectations to live more authentically," the product description on Mattel's website reads.
Currently, the Cox Barbie is among the best-selling dolls on Amazon and was released on Wednesday (May 25) ahead of Cox’s 50th birthday on Sunday.
