RuPaul is scheduled to launch the world's first ever "trannie" doll this Fall. The dolls will be sold exclusively at Toys-R-Us, FAO Schwartz and Tower Records across the country.

At the age of 22, Jason Wu is a prominent force in the toy industry.
Born and raised in Taipei, Wu began designing dolls as a child. In 1998, after winning a toy design contest, he joined Integrity Toys Inc, as a freelance designer. Within two years,
Wu was named Creative Director and
soon thereafter, Partner - all before
his eighteenth birthday.

This year, Wu unveiled the first ever transgender doll, The RuPaul Dollä. "I've wanted to work on a celebrity doll for sometime," says Wu, who explains he chose RuPaul because he wanted a celebrity who was instantly recognizable yet not overexposed. "We wanted someone who would shake things up in the fashion doll industry."

Wu feels the doll is appropriate for all ages, including children. "It's important for our young generation to be educated and aware of all of America's diverse lifestyles. Will and Grace and The Ellen Show have brought mainstream attention to gays and lesbians. It's now time to shed light on the transgender community. We hope our dolls will be welcomed on doll shelves everywhere."

For more info on the RuPaul Doll, visit www.therupauldoll.com.