In the spotlight of the new Barbie movie, questions arise about Ken’s sexual identity, but one iconic male doll from the disco era never had any doubts surrounding his queerness. Meet Gay Bob, who burst out of the closet in 1977, sparking both controversy and admiration.
The Unapologetic Arrival of Gay Bob
Gay Bob’s entry into the scene was met with both applause and outrage. He proudly showcased his sexual identity, and his anatomical accuracy made right-wing culture warriors uncomfortable. A blog post by the Natural History Museum highlighted the history of Gay Bob, immortalizing his girthy plastic male dollhood. Today, an actual Gay Bob doll is part of the esteemed “Gay is Good” collection at the Museum of the City of New York.
The Maverick Behind the Doll
Harvey Rosenberg, a straight advertising executive, boldly invested $10,000 of his own money to launch the Gay Bob project. Standing tall at 13 inches (depending on how you measure these things), the doll sported a plaid flannel shirt, cuffed blue jeans, cowboy boots, a gold chain, and a leather man purse – a symbol of unapologetic queer pride.
Out of the Closet and Into the Spotlight
Gay Bob’s packaging and advertising were both risqué and tongue-in-cheek. His box cleverly resembled an actual closet, emphasizing his coming-out journey each time he was taken out to play. The packaging even provided tips on how to enjoy Bob, from taking him to parties as the ultimate dance companion to introducing him to the family, who would love engaging with him.
A Bittersweet Legacy
Gay Bob emerged during a tumultuous era for the LGBTQ+ community, not long after the Stonewall Riot and just before the tragic assassination of Harvey Milk. Despite initial popularity among collectors, Gay Bob eventually faded from view due to the challenging circumstances and opposition from conservative figures like Anita Bryant.
While Ken’s sexual identity remains a topic of speculation, Gay Bob’s queer pride has never been in question. In a world where Barbie’s Ken may lack clarity, Gay Bob boldly asserted his authenticity, forever commemorated by his unapologetic presence and undeniable impact on LGBTQ+ history.