Laverne Cox got a very special birthday present this year in the form of her very own Barbie.
Mattel this week unveiled a new doll in Cox’s likeness as part of its Tribute Collection series. The company has created Barbies tailored to real-life people in the past, including ballet dancer Misty Copeland, director Ava DuVernay and astronaut Sally Ride.
However, Cox is the first transgender person to have a Barbie designed in her name.
In a statement, Mattel’s Lisa McKnight said the company is proud to “highlight the importance of inclusion and acceptance at every age” with the doll, which is being sold for $40 and is available on Target, Wal-Mart and Amazon. is available.
Cox happily posed with the doll at her 50th birthday party in New York on Thursday. The actor, writer, and LGBTQ rights advocate attended the fte in a red gown with a floor-length tulle skirt, similar to the one worn by her toy counterpart.
Jason Mendez via Getty Images
In an interview with “Today” that aired this week, Cox said she expected her Barbie to be particularly influential given America’s political climate, which has seen a shocking push against transgender rights in several conservative states. is included.
“I hope all those kids who are putting their health care at risk, or feeling stigmatized by their ability to play in sports … I hope they can see this Barbie and hope and possibility.” feeling,” she said. “If they don’t see themselves in this Barbie, I hope they know they can make the places they see themselves where they are represented, because representation matters.”
In 2013, Cox became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy for her performance in Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black.” Her acting career is in high gear once again, thanks to acclaimed performances in “Promising Young Woman” and Netflix’s “Inventing Anna.”
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