The Gay Bob doll, shown here with its original box, signified the increasing visibility of gays in New York society, at least. The box was designed as a closet, with the slogan, "Come out of the closet with Gay Bob." An accompanying pamphlet asserted that the anatomically correct, 12" tall doll, which sported an earring and necklace, was the first openly gay doll. Gay Bob was bestowed an Esquire magazine "Dubious Achievement Award" for 1978.
Photo by Museum of the City of New York
