The Launch of Tyson

The World´s First Out and Proud Best Friend

In 1999, the world was introduced to Tyson, Billy and Carlos´s best friend. Lauded as the first Black, openly gay doll, Tyson became a symbol for John McKitterick and Juan Andres of inclusivity and diversity, reinforcing these ideas both within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Tyson’s debut came in two striking editions: Leather Tyson and Army Tyson. His beautifully crafted design was featured prominently in the photographic book Big Fun with Billy, a project that celebrated the spirit of these three iconic figures. The launch of Tyson was met with widespread acclaim, gaining significant international media attention and achieving notable commercial success.

This visibility reached new heights when a full-page article in The New York Daily News revealed that both model Tyson Beckford and boxer Mike Tyson had expressed concerns that the doll was using their name and image. The controversy sparked a media frenzy, with the story making waves on CNN, NBC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and other major outlets, culminating in a feature in Time magazine. Once introduced, Tyson went immediately from a symbol of representation to a lightning rod for discussion, which illustrates his impact on cultural and societal conversations of the time.