- The first Barbie model went on sale in 1959.
- To date, it remains the best-selling doll in the world and in 2021 alone it generated profits of 1,700 million dollars.
- The new model is based on Laverne Cox, one of the emblem actresses of the LGBTQIA community.
Toys are one of the most powerful industries in the world thanks to the millionaire profits they make every year. One of the leading global companies is Mattel thanks to its stellar product that consists of the best-selling doll on the planet. Is about Barbie and today announced a transgender version with which he seeks to break schemes with a progressive mentality.
In this regard, Statista points out that the Total sales of all models of this doll reported gross revenue of $1.7 billion in 2021. This is the highest figure in the company’s history and is a reflection of the good times it is going through.
History of the famous doll
The beginning of one of the most popular toys starts in 1959. At that time all the products were focused on boys but there was no one specialized in the female counterpart.
With this panorama, Barbie was born as a brand of dolls and accessories from Mattel. It was conceived by Ruth Handler and emerged as a reflection of the women of California, where Mattel is headquartered.
It is characterized by showing a tall, blonde, blue-eyed woman with a slender, slim body. Although the model was applauded for many years, it has recently been criticized for promoting stereotypes among the general population.
From the above, other models have been presented that are more related to the current world. All this leads to first transgender barbie with which it seeks to capture a new market. There is also a story behind this model.
Celebrate Pride with #Barbie! In commitment to inclusion & acceptance, we’re partnering with @GLSEN, an org working to ensure LGBTQ+ students can learn & grow in schools free from bullying & harassment. Together, we can create a world where people feel empowered to be themselves. pic.twitter.com/emOm4mIHLq
— Barbie (@Barbie) June 1, 2022
Based on the manufacturers, they relied on actress Laverne Cox to conceive a similar image on their product. While the launch coincides with the pride month of the LGBTQIA community, which has its maximum celebration every June 28.
Who is Laverne Cox?
She is an American actress who has also participated in various reality shows. One of her greatest achievements was being the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy Award for her role in the series. Orange Is the New Black.
She is also known for her appearance as a contestant on the VH1 show I Want to Work for Diddy, and for producing and co-hosting the VH1 makeover show TRANSform Me.
In April 2014, Cox was awarded the GLAAD Award for her work as an advocate for the rights of the transgender community. On June 9, 2014, she became the first openly transgender person to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
Real people inspire new Barbie models
Pro all these achievements is that Mattel chose her to be the model on which the first transgender Barbie is based. While this model is part of the “Tribute Collection”, a special series of dolls dedicated to outstanding personalities.
In the past, within this same series, a Florence Nightingale Nurse Barbie, who is the creator of the modern care model. She also has special accessories like the clothes she wears, which is based on the one that prevailed in the middle of the 19th century. She also includes a candle holder in reference to the object with which she relates to the pioneer of nursing.