Since March of 1959, Barbie dolls have lined the shelves and captured the hearts of children everywhere. The idea of “you can brush her hair, undress her everywhere” allowed children to customize their favorite toy and even see a version of themselves in the doll.

Over the years, we’ve seen Mattel introduce a more diverse selection of dolls to reflect their target audience. That includes the first Black Barbie doll (released in 1967) and the first disabled Barbie doll (released in 1997).

63 years from Barbie’s birth, Mattel has finally introduced the brand’s first transgender doll modeled after superstar, Laverne Cox. Laverne is living the dream of so many young children and setting the tone for many others. Cox says “It’s been a dream for years to work with Barbie to create my own doll.” “I hope people can look at this Barbie and dream big as I have in my career.”

In a time when children may not feel safe in their own school or neighborhood, it is so important to allow them to socialize and express their feelings through play or other creative methods. 

Mattel and Cox have done just that, encouraging children to build social skills, seek representation, and dream big with Barbie. 

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