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Sixteen-year-old Korben White set the internet ablaze when he showed up at his high school prom in a magnificent, flowing ballgown. He paired it with a sequin-adorned tuxedo top that harmonized perfectly with his vivid scarlet hair.
After Korben’s mother, Nina Green, shared a post of her son all dressed up for prom, it quickly went viral. Supporters of the woke movement lauded his choice of the flowing frock, celebrating his self-expression. However, there were also those who engaged in shaming, claiming it was a sign of a “parent’s failure” for “encouraging such behavior.”
When Korben was just 12, he had confided in his mother that he dreamed of going to his school prom in a gown. True to his word, four years later, the teen, who is also a “sassy” young drag queen known as Miss Frou Frou, made that dream a reality.
In an interview with the BBC, Green elaborated on what inspired her son. She said, “He wanted to attend as his authentic self, expressing his feminine side – with a tuxedo on top and a dress on the bottom, clearly influenced by [American actor] Billy Porter.” She added, “He wanted to be Korben… but in a dress.” And when Korben stepped out of the car in his dazzling red ensemble, complete with a white shirt and a large red bow, he was met with applause from both the staff and students at Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk.
The proud mother described the moment, saying, “As soon as he got out of the car, everyone cheered, and I was in tears. Some of the teachers were crying too because he was being true to himself.” She emphasized, “Everyone has been very supportive, and his year group has been amazing. If you let your child be who they are, you’ll get the best out of them.”
Green continued to show her unwavering support for her son with a tweet on July 1. Alongside several photos of Korben in his stunning outfit, she wrote, “At age 12, my son declared he wanted to go to his school prom in a gown. Four years later, we made it happen. I’m incredibly proud of him for being true to himself, and the reception he received from his entire school was remarkable.”
Her post gained significant traction, with millions of users around the world sharing, commenting, and complimenting the young man. It even caught the attention of Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, who remarked, “You are an amazing, beautiful mom, and your child is a STAR.” Korben was understandably “very surreal” about the fact that his mother’s tweet had reached Visage. “To me, she is an icon and a wonderful celebrity, and I truly admire her,” he said.
Green hadn’t anticipated the overwhelming response to her show of support. She had simply wanted to share her son “living his best life,” but it led to other parents seeking her advice. Some users shared photos and stories of their own gender-nonconforming children.
One user wrote, “I’m worried about my son. He would love to do something like this at prom, but he wouldn’t get the support of all the students. It’s sad that homophobia still exists. Well done to you, your son, and his school!” Another shared, “I’m so happy for your son. He looked amazing! My son is trans, and after three years of transphobic bullying before GCSEs, I had to take him out of school for his mental health. He was always going to prom in a tux, but he was denied the chance.” A third simply said, “Absolutely stunning! My daughter wore a suit to hers!”
However, the positive feedback was also met with a slew of negative comments, highlighting the divide in social perspectives. One person wrote, “There’s very little hope for civilization,” while another said, “…Vile, Woke, and a parenting failure for encouraging this. A 12-year-old boy should be playing football and learning to be a man. But people nowadays virtue signal, like what you’re doing with this tweet, and ruin their kids’ lives. Shame.” Another netizen found the support for Green’s post concerning. “There’s nothing natural about a ‘boy’ dressing like a ‘girl’ – the support shows how messed up our world is.” And one cyber fan went as far as to suggest the world lacks logic, “We live in a world where children shouldn’t pretend to be Indians, but men are pretending to be women. Utopian.”
Despite the online hate, Green remained a steadfast advocate for her son. The day after the tweet that took the internet by storm, she accompanied Korben to London Pride and shared a heartwarming photo of the two.
One user commented, “My boy did too. Couldn’t be prouder. He’s also at London Pride today at 16. It’s fabulous. Love to you and yours,” while another said, “You both look amazing xx.” However, a third user attacked the mom, writing, “Your son doesn’t look like a man anymore. Some kind of fa****”
Green, who has stated on Twitter that she ignores the negativity, hopes that other children and parents will find inspiration and acceptance through her relationship with Korben. “I really hope it will help others be more accepting, let proud parents know they’re not alone, and that they can celebrate their children. And for young people to know there’s a support network if they need it,” she said. “You have to accept your children for who they are.”
Korben Green is undeniably a brave young man for expressing himself so boldly, and he’s fortunate to have a supportive mother who blocks out the noise and continues to raise him in the best way she knows.
What are your thoughts on teens attending prom in outfits that don’t conform to their assigned genders at birth?
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