Transgender doll inspired by teen sparks conversation, debate
This week, Tonner Doll Company unveiled its much talked about play doll inspired by Jazz Jennings, the transgender star of TLC's docuseries "I am Jazz."
The 18-inch doll was designed by Robert Tonner who is known for creating high fashion dolls as well as dolls based on popular characters and real people in popular culture. The doll was available for a first look at the American International Toy Fair in New York City this past weekend.
"Jazz stands for everything I respect from a human nature point of view-she's incredibly brave, intelligent, warm-hearted and creative," said Tonner earlier this month.
Jennings, 16, first appeared on 20/20 at age 6 telling viewers that she had the mind of a girl and the body of a boy. She has since gained fame as a speaker, blogger and advocate of GLAAD and with her family, she has taken on the mission of educating the masses and teaching tolerance for transkids everywhere.
On social media, some people came out in support of a doll that reflects all people while others expressed concern that labeling a doll as a transgender runs counter to the message of acceptance. It all added up to some interesting commentary about what it means to be transgender and the state of American society.
Jennings said she see the doll as just a normal doll. “I consider myself to just be a normal, teenage girl so...the doll is just a normal girl doll," Jennings told the New York Times.
The doll is expected to sell for about $99 and will be available in specialty stores and on www.tonnerdoll.com in July.
About the Author
Nedra Rhone is a lifestyle columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution where she has been a reporter since 2006. A graduate of Columbia University School of Journalism, she enjoys writing about the people, places and events that define metro Atlanta. Sign up to have her column sent to your inbox: ajc.com/newsletters/nedra-rhone-columnist.
