Korben White, a 16-year-old with striking red hair, took the internet by storm when he arrived at his high school prom in a bold, eye-catching outfit: a vibrant red ballgown paired with a tuxedo-inspired sequin top. The ensemble, perfectly complementing his fiery hair, turned heads and sparked an online sensation.

Nina Green, Korben’s proud mother, shared photos of her son’s prom look on social media, which quickly went viral. Supporters from various circles praised his courage and style, while others criticized Nina, accusing her of not guiding her son according to traditional values. However, the journey leading up to that night was years in the making.

When Korben was just 12 years old, he confided in his mother that he wanted to attend prom in a gown. For him, it wasn’t just about fashion—it was about expressing his true self. Fast forward four years, Korben, who has since embraced drag under the stage name “Miss Frou Frou,” made his dream a reality in 2022. In an interview with the BBC, Green explained her son’s motivation: “He wanted to go as himself, expressing his feminine side—with a tuxedo top and a gown bottom, inspired by [actor] Billy Porter. He just wanted to be Korben… but in a dress.”

On prom night, Korben made a grand entrance at Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk. He stepped out of the car in his dazzling red gown, complete with a white shirt and a large red bow tie. The reaction from his peers and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, with applause and even a few tears from the staff. The moment was emotional for Nina, who said she couldn’t hold back her tears seeing her son so happy.

The mother-son bond and Korben’s courage touched the hearts of many, inspiring parents worldwide to support their children’s individuality. On July 1st, Nina took to Twitter once more, celebrating her son’s journey with heartfelt words and photos of his prom outfit. “At age 12, my son announced 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 support he received from his entire school was just incredible,” she wrote.

The post quickly gained traction, with millions of users liking, sharing, and commenting on it. One of the highlights for Korben was receiving a shoutout from Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Visage tweeted, “You are an amazing, beautiful mom, and your child is a STAR.” For Korben, this acknowledgment was surreal, as he admired Visage as an icon and role model in the drag community.

While the support was overwhelming, not everyone agreed with Nina’s decision to let her son express himself this way. Critics flooded the comment section, with some accusing her of failing as a parent by encouraging her son’s non-conventional choices. One person wrote, “A 12-year-old boy should be playing football, not dressing up in gowns. This is virtue signaling at its worst.” Others expressed their concern, calling it a sign of societal decline, with comments like, “There is nothing natural about a boy dressing as a girl.”

Despite the backlash, Green remained steadfast in her support. The day after her post went viral, she took Korben to London Pride, celebrating love, acceptance, and individuality. She shared a heartwarming picture of the two of them together at the event. In response, one user commented, “My son went to Pride at 16 too! So proud of him, just like you are of Korben.” However, not all comments were supportive, with some resorting to derogatory slurs aimed at her son.

Nina, however, does not let the negativity get to her. She uses her platform to inspire other parents to embrace their children for who they are. “I hope sharing our story helps other parents feel less alone. It’s important to celebrate our children and accept them for who they are,” she said. For Korben, having his mother’s unwavering support has been a source of strength, allowing him to embrace his true self without fear.

The story of Korben White has not only sparked conversations but has also shone a spotlight on the importance of supporting children in exploring their identities. For many parents who saw the post, it served as a reminder of the power of unconditional love and acceptance. Comments from parents who have struggled to support their own children flooded Nina’s page, with many thanking her for her bravery in letting Korben be himself.

In a world that still grapples with issues of acceptance and diversity, Korben’s story is a beacon of hope. It challenges the conventional expectations placed on teenagers, especially at milestone events like prom. By showing up as his authentic self, Korben not only made a statement but also empowered others to embrace who they are, regardless of societal norms.

What are your thoughts on teenagers expressing themselves at prom by wearing outfits that don’t conform to traditional gender expectations? Share your opinions, and let’s keep the conversation going!