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Same-sex couple meeting with Barbie toymaker to discuss Ken and Ben dolls

December 18, 2018

Ken and Barbie are the world's most famous doll duo, but now a same sex couple in the US are meeting toymaker Mattel for talks over a "Ken and Ben" version.

Matt Jacobi and Nick Caprio, of Scottsdale, Arizona have been together for more than 11 years and are getting married in May next year.

One of their flower girls, niece Natalia, celebrated her eighth birthday on December 8.

Her uncles wanted to get her a doll wedding set that was connected to their upcoming nuptials.

"We really wanted to give her something that she could enjoy, but also something that would be meaningful to her and somehow connected to the wedding she will be a part of," Mr Jacobi told CNN.

However, every set they found had a groom and a bride.

"When we saw the toys in all the aisles, Nick and I looked at each other and had a moment. We just didn't feel connected to any of them," said Mr Jacobi.

This didn't stop the couple though, as they got creative and bought two Barbie wedding sets then swapped out one of the Barbie's for a Ken to make a same sex wedding scene.

"This toy brought so much joy and happiness to my 8-year-old niece, and there are thousands and thousands of families just like Nick and I. I just had to do something," Mr Jacobi said.

After tagging Mattel in a photo of the make-shift same sex wedding set posted to Instagram, Mr Jacobi was delighted that the giant toymaker responded asking for a meeting.

"We have a confirmed date set in early January, and we are extremely excited, grateful and incredibly determined to make this happen," Mr Jacobi said.

"We are over the moon with all the positive responses we have received. We really just want to thank all the people out there for believing in our message that love is love."

Barbie and Ken dolls were first created by Mattel in 1961. Recently the company has been widening its range by introducing new skin tones and other cosmetic features.

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