5 Shocking Details About The Laverne Cox Barbie Doll That Made History (2025 Update)

The Laverne Cox Barbie doll remains one of the most culturally significant and highest-selling collectible dolls in Mattel's history, continuing its reign as a powerful symbol of transgender visibility and inclusion. As of today, December 11, 2025, the doll—part of the prestigious Barbie Tribute Collection—is still celebrated globally, not just for its stunning design but for the monumental barrier it shattered upon its release. The doll, which was unveiled in May 2022 to commemorate the actress's 50th birthday, represents a watershed moment where a major toy company directly affirmed the beauty and importance of the transgender community. The decision to honor the four-time Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate with her own Barbie was a deliberate move by Mattel to reflect the diversity of the world and to inspire children of all identities to "dream big." Laverne Cox herself was deeply involved in the doll's creation, ensuring that every detail, from the glamorous Hollywood-inspired waves to the custom gown, authentically captured her signature style and energy. The doll’s enduring success proves that the market is hungry for toys that champion diversity and authentic representation.

Laverne Cox: Full Biography and Profile

Laverne Cox is an American actress, producer, writer, and prominent equal rights advocate. Her career is marked by a series of historic firsts, solidifying her status as a cultural icon and a tireless champion for the LGBTQ+ community.

• Full Name: Laverne Cox
• Born: May 29, 1972
• Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
• Education: Attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts (dance) and Marymount Manhattan College (dance).
• Notable Works (Film/TV):
  • Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019) – Role: Sophia Burset (Historic: First openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category).
  • Doubt (2017) – Role: Cameron Wirth (First openly transgender person to have a leading role on a broadcast television series).
  • Promising Young Woman (2020) – Role: Gail.
  • Inventing Anna (2022) – Role: Kacy Duke.
• Notable Producer Work:
  • Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen (2020) – Executive Producer (Emmy-winning documentary streaming on Netflix).
• Awards & Honors:
  • Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Special (for *Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word*).
  • Named one of *Time* magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World (2015).
  • First openly transgender person to have a Barbie doll made in her likeness.
• Twin Brother: M. Lamar (Musician and composer who played her character's pre-transition twin in *OITNB* flashbacks).

The Groundbreaking Design and Historical Significance of the Doll

The Laverne Cox Barbie is not merely a celebrity doll; it is a meticulously crafted piece of art and a powerful statement on transgender visibility. Released as part of the Tribute Collection, which honors visionaries and trailblazers, the doll was designed by Mattel’s Carlyle Nuera, a designer known for his work on several diverse and high-fashion Barbie models. The attention to detail in the doll's aesthetic and packaging highlights its collectible status and deep cultural meaning.

1. The Custom-Sculpted Face and 'Superhero' Body

One of the most crucial elements of the doll is its unique facial sculpt, which was created specifically to capture Laverne Cox’s likeness. This ensures the doll is an authentic representation, moving beyond generic molds. Furthermore, the doll utilizes the "Articulated - Superhero" body type. This is a significant detail, as it gives the doll maximum poseability, reflecting the dynamic and powerful presence Cox possesses. It is a subtle nod to the idea that her activism and trailblazing career make her a real-life superhero for the LGBTQ+ community.

2. The Iconic Triple-Threat Outfit

The doll’s outfit is a direct nod to Cox’s glamorous, high-fashion sensibilities. She worked closely with the Mattel design team to create a look that she described as "a triple-threat" ensemble. The outfit consists of a striking, deep-red faux leather corset bodysuit worn beneath a sheer, glittering, silver-and-black tulle gown. The gown can be removed, allowing the doll to be styled in the bodysuit, reflecting the versatility and confidence of Cox's own wardrobe. The look is completed with silver metallic boots and dramatic Hollywood waves in her hair.

3. The First Transgender Person to Inspire a Barbie

The most widely celebrated and historically important detail is that the Laverne Cox Barbie is the very first Barbie doll ever modeled after an openly transgender person. This moment marked a major shift in the toy industry's approach to diversity. For decades, Barbie has been criticized for promoting a singular, unrealistic beauty standard. By launching a doll in the image of a transgender woman of color, Mattel made a powerful statement affirming trans identities and offering a role model to children who had never seen themselves reflected in such an iconic toy.

The Enduring Impact and Legacy in 2025

Two and a half years after its initial launch, the Laverne Cox Barbie remains a hot-ticket item for collectors and a cornerstone in the conversation surrounding diversity in media and toys. Its success has paved the way for more inclusive representation across Mattel’s product lines.

4. The Doll’s Role in Transgender Visibility and Advocacy

Laverne Cox has consistently used her platform to advocate for transgender rights, and the Barbie doll has amplified this mission. The doll itself serves as a tangible tool for parents and educators to discuss gender identity, diversity, and acceptance with children. Cox has repeatedly expressed her hope that the doll will be a source of validation and inspiration for trans youth, encouraging them to believe that they, too, can achieve their wildest dreams. The doll is a physical representation of the progress made in transgender visibility, moving the conversation from niche media to mainstream pop culture.

5. The Response to Controversy and the Power of Representation

While the doll was overwhelmingly celebrated, its release, like many pioneering moments in LGBTQ+ history, was met with some controversy. Critics, including certain political figures, attempted to frame the doll as "imposing ideology." However, the doll’s commercial success and positive reception from global audiences quickly overshadowed the dissent. This reaction highlights the ongoing cultural battle over acceptance, but the doll’s continued popularity in 2025 demonstrates that the demand for authentic, diverse role models is winning. The Laverne Cox Barbie stands not only as a toy but as a defiant symbol of progress, a collectible piece of history that continues to inspire conversations about what it means to be seen and celebrated in the modern world. Its legacy is a testament to Laverne Cox’s powerful career and the growing global movement toward radical inclusion.