In a time when Transgender people, especially children, are watching their rights being taken away from them, Mattel and Barbie found a way to stand with the Trans community. The toy company released a Laverne Cox Barbie doll so that every Transgender person can say there is a Barbie in their image.
Mattel Creations described the $40 doll: “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. She wears a triple-threat original design, featuring a deep red tulle gown gracefully draped over a dazzling, silver metallic bodysuit. Her hair is swept into glamorous Hollywood waves while dramatic makeup completes her look.”
This morning the actress spoke to Today about why her mini-me is so important to her. “I was talking to my therapist how I was really shamed by my mother when I was a kid when I wanted to play with a Barbie doll but I was denied. And I had a lot of shame and trauma about that. And my therapist said to me, ‘It is never too late to have a happy childhood.’ She said, ‘Go out and buy yourself a Barbie and play with her. There’s a little kid that lives inside of you. Give her space to play.’ And I did.
I told my mother about it, and the next Christmas my mother bought me a Barbie doll. And on my next birthday, my mother bought me another Barbie doll. For the next several years, she would always give me Barbies. My mommy finally got me a Barbie. And there’s a kid in me, in all of us.
“Barbie has been a really healing experience for me as an adult and I hope Barbie fans of all ages can find healing and inspiration in this doll.”
I hope that every little boy and girl can find inspiration in her Barbie because the real Laverne Cox is an inspiration to me and so many people.
Cox’s doll is just as beautiful as she is, and any little boy and girl would be lucky to have her in their collection. Plus, this little girl at heart wants the outfit they gave her. How creative and gorgeous is that interchangeable look?
