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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe “gay Ken” Easter egg in the 2023 Barbie movie refers to Earring Magic Ken, a 1993 Mattel doll whose flamboyant look was read by many viewers as queer-coded. The cameo nods to the doll’s cultural reputation; it does not confirm that any Ken in the film is gay.
Who is the “gay Ken” in the Barbie movie?
It is Earring Magic Ken, a specific vintage doll—not an official label for all Kens, or a confirmed description of a movie character. Mattel’s historical catalog lists the doll as item 2290 (Mattel catalog entry).
The film includes a brief Earring Magic Ken cameo among the discontinued dolls associated with Weird Barbie. PinkNews identifies the appearance as an Easter egg; Vanity Fair also notes the reference in its coverage of the film (PinkNews; Vanity Fair).
What was Earring Magic Ken, and why did people read it as queer?
The doll’s look
Mattel released Earring Magic Ken in May 1993. TIME describes platinum-blond streaks, a silver hoop earring, a mesh shirt, a vest, and a necklace (TIME’s history of Earring Magic Ken). Together, those details struck many observers as queer-coded, and the doll became a queer cultural icon.
#1 Best Overall
- Celebrate one of kids' favorite sports with this Barbie Ken soccer doll!
- Ken soccer doll (11.5 in) features a uniform inspired by a globally popular color scheme!
- Ready to go for the goal, Ken soccer doll sports a blue shirt with a stripe, the number "10" and a team patch plus black shorts, cleats and tall red socks.
- Ken soccer doll also has cropped hair and comes with a soccer ball accessory.
- Makes a great gift for kids 3 years old and up, especially those interested in soccer, sports and fitness!
The necklace debate
The pendant helped fuel the interpretation. In TIME’s account, Mattel communications manager Lisa McKendall said the necklace held charms and rejected the sexual reading. Recounting her 1993 response to Dan Savage, she said: “We’re not in the business of putting c-k rings into the hands of little girls.” The account also reproduces her broader explanation: “Ken and Barbie both reflect mainstream society, reflect what little girls see in their world.” These are Mattel’s stated explanations; the queer reading describes how many people interpreted the doll’s styling, not a confirmed design intention.
A contemporaneous Los Angeles Times report provides period context on the doll and Mattel’s public explanation of its earring (Los Angeles Times, 1993).
Rank #2
- Designed to reflect the world kids see today, this diverse line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls showcases bright and trendy styles that inspire endless storytelling possibilities.
- Ken doll wears polka-dot shorts and a striped top. His look features fun details that make his personality pop, like his bright orange slides.
- His blonde hair in a mullet.
- With such a versatile and stylish look, this Ken doll is ready for any adventure that kids dream up!
- Kids 3 years and up can collect other Barbie Fashionistas dolls for even more fun with friends and fashion at playtime!
Does the Easter egg mean a Ken in the film is canonically gay?
No. The cameo references a real doll’s history and reception; it is not evidence that the movie assigns a sexual orientation to one of its Kens. Scott Evans, who played one of the Kens, said audiences called him “the gay Ken” after seeing his promotional poster, but that the character’s sexuality was not part of the film. MetroSource reported his clarification (MetroSource interview).
That distinction matters: Earring Magic Ken is a named 1993 toy with a documented catalog entry and a later cultural reading. “The gay Ken” applied to Evans’s role was audience speculation, not a canonical character description.
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Rank #3
- The storytelling possibilities are endless with Ken Fashionistas dolls! They keep it cool with trendy looks tailored to their individual style.
- This Ken doll has a broad body type and wears a blue green ombre tank that really makes his personality pop!
- Distressed jean shorts suit his ombre tank perfectly, while silver sneakers complete his versatile and stylish outfit.
- From meeting up with friends to hanging out at the beach, this Ken doll is dressed for any adventure that kids dream up!
- Kids 3 years old and up can collect other Barbie Fashionistas dolls for even more fun with friends and fashion at playtime!
Was Earring Magic Ken Mattel’s best-selling Ken?
That claim is often repeated, but TIME notes that popular assertions that the doll was Mattel’s best-selling Ken—or even its best-selling Barbie doll—are difficult to fact-check. Without reliable sales evidence, those rankings should not be treated as established fact.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Designed to reflect the world kids see today, Barbie Fashionistas Ken dolls feature a wide variety of skin tones, eye colors, body types and fashions, as well as hair styles, colors and textures.
- Ken fashion doll wears a western-inspired outfit by his 1980's look with a shirt featuring a blue and black design!
- White pants and black boots complete the fun look!
- Sculpted blond hair is captured in a trendy style!
- With endless styling and storytelling possibilities, Barbie dolls are great for fans, collectors and kids 3 years and older!
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