Laverne Cox honoured as first-ever trans Barbie doll: ‘It’s been a dream’

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Laverne Cox has made history after iconic toymaker Barbie created a doll in her likeness, making it the first doll ever to be modelled after a trans woman. Cox, who will celebrate her 50th birthday on Sunday 29 May, told Peoplethat the most exciting thing about the new Barbie doll 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”. “That there’s hope and possibility for them to be themselves.” The doll, which is now part of the Barbie Tribute Collection that celebrates visionaries and trailblazers, wears a deep red tulle gown over a sparkling silver catsuit that can be worn separately, complete with heeled boots, silver earrings, and blonde hair “swept into Hollywood waves”. Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate award-winning actress, producer, writer and LGBT+ rights trailblazer Laverne Cox with a doll.