Very Rare Billy Doll - 1999 Stonewall Drag "Dolly"

Billy was created by artists John McKitterick and Juan Andres and marketed by Totem International Ltd and Totem International Inc. as "the first out and proud gay doll." In 1999, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, an event which launched the gay liberation movement in the United States, Billy and Carlos wore drag. Billy dressed in a gingham checkered pantsuit and became "Dolly" and Carlos became "Carmen" in a polka dot outfit reminiscent of those worn by Carmen Miranda. The Country Billy and Cha-Cha Carlos dolls were launched to highlight diversity, visibility and to ignite debate. In the same year twelve unique drag Billy and Carlos dolls were auctioned in the store window of Paul Smith in New York to benefit the London-based HIV/AIDS charity Body Positive. This Billy doll, "Dolly," is in the original package. This is a vintage piece and the packaging has some damage. The plastic platform on which the doll stands, is dented and the plastic packaging also has some age-related clouding. The doll itself if in impeccable condition with no flaws or damage. This is a limited edition item, very rare and difficult to find. It has been opened only for the purpose of taking photographs for sale.