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Laverne Cox Makes History As First-Ever Trans Barbie Doll

Laverne Cox Barbie: The actress has made history by being honoured as the first-ever trans Barbie doll. 
Credit: Alamy

Laverne Cox has made history by being honoured as the first-ever trans Barbie doll. 

The Orange Is The New Black actress will have a doll made in her likeness by Mattel.

Chatting to People magazine about the ‘surreal’ honour, Cox said: “What excites me most about her being out in the world is that trans young people can see her and maybe get to purchase her and play with her, and know that there’s a Barbie made by Mattel, for the first time, in the likeness of a trans person.”

Watch Laverne Cox open up about her ‘greatest joys’ in the clip below…

The 49-year-old went on to tell the publication that the move represents so much more than a toy.

She explained: “I think in an environment where trans children have been used as a political football, when over 250 pieces of anti-trans legislation have been introduced in state legislatures all over the country in 2022 alone, and access to gender-affirming healthcare has been denied by policies signed into law in my home state of Alabama, in Arkansas and other states.

“That in this environment where trans kids are being attacked, that this can also be a celebration of transness, and also a space for them to dream, understand and be reminded that trans is beautiful.

“That there’s hope and possibility for them to be themselves.”

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Cox’s doll will be a part of the Barbie Tribute Collection, which was created to celebrate inspirational figures.

Her specific toy will have ‘Hollywood waves’ blonde hair, a red tulle gown over a shimmering silver catsuit that can be worn separately, and matching accessories.

In Cox’s name, Barbie will make a donation to the non-profit TransFamilySOS. This charity helps trans and gender-nonconforming people with health insurance, finding a safe space, and support groups.

Watch our Video of the Day below… 

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Written by Aimee Walker

Aimee is a senior content editor at IGV who specialises in finding the best original stories, trending topics and entertainment news. She graduated from Birmingham City University with a degree in Media and Communications.