Dressed in a bold red skirt and a tuxedo top adorned with sequins to match his scarlet-colored hair, 16-year-old Korben White took the internet by storm with the flowing ballgown he wore to his high school prom.

After a post by his mother, Nina Green, went viral, showing her son all dressed up for prom, supporters of the woke movement praised his elegant outfit, while critics weighed in with disapproval, claiming it reflected the “failure” of a parent “in encouraging this sort of thing.”

When Korben White was just 12, he shared with his mother Nina Green that “he wanted to go to his school prom in a gown.”

In 2022, four years after expressing his wish, the teen—a “sassy” young drag queen known as Miss Frou Frou—brought that vision to life.

Speaking to the BBC, Green described her son’s motivation. “He wanted to go as himself, while expressing his feminine side—with a tuxedo on the top and a dress at the bottom, very much influenced by [American actor] Billy Porter.” She added, “He wanted to be Korben…but in a dress.”

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 so incredibly #proud of him for being true to himself & the reception he got from his whole school was incredible. What do you think @michellevisage @theebillyporter pic.twitter.com/lsLKnmY9k5

— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) July 1, 2022

When Korben stepped out of the car in a sparkly red outfit, paired with a white shirt and a large red bow, his grand entrance was met with cheers from both staff and students at Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk.

“As soon as he got out of the car, everyone just cheered and I was crying, some of the teachers were crying, because he was being who he wanted to be,” Korben’s proud mom said. “Everyone has been very supportive, and his year group has been incredible. If you let your child be who they are then you’ll get nothing but the best out of them.”

Continuing to show her unwavering support, Green celebrated her son with a tweet on July 1.

Accompanied by a few photos of Korben in his striking outfit, Green wrote, “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 so incredibly proud of him for being true to himself & the reception he got from his whole school was incredible.”

Her post quickly gained traction, with millions of people worldwide sharing, commenting, and praising the stylish 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.”

@michellevisage Thank you for having @korben_white and I on your @BBCRadio2 show this evening! Your support has been amazing and we’re looking forward to speaking again soon. pic.twitter.com/BxrD3d8oXL

— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) July 14, 2023

Korben described it as “very surreal” that his mother’s tweet had attracted the attention of Visage.

“To me she is such an icon, a wonderful celebrity and I really admire her,” he said.

Green hadn’t anticipated that her supportive post would “go crazy” and explained that she simply wanted to share her son “living his best life,” which led other parents to seek her advice.

Some users responded by sharing photos and stories of their own gender-nonconforming children.

One user wrote, “I worry for my son, he would really love to do something like this at prom but he would definitely not have the support of all the students! So sad that we still have homophobia even now. Well done to you, your son and his school!”

Another shared, “I am so happy for your son he looked absolutely amazing!!! My son is trans, after 3yrs of transphobic bullying in Jan b4 GCSEs [General Certificate of Secondary Education offered in parts of the UK] I had to take him out of school for his mental health. He was always going to prom in a tux and he was deprived of the chance.”

A third simply wrote, “Absolutely stunning! My daughter wore a suit to hers!”

From Korben to @missfroufrou1 Here’s just a few pics after an amazing photoshoot! Thanks so much to @jamesburtonpics Watch out @dragraceukbbc she’s coming for ya! @michellevisage pic.twitter.com/p8D0CldJOC

— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) September 24, 2022

Meanwhile, the positivity was countered by a series of other comments, highlighting that not everyone shares the same social outlook.

One person writes, “There is very little hope for civilization,” while another adds, “…Vile, Woke & a failure as a parent in encouraging this sort of thing. A 12 year old boy should be playing football and learning to be a man. But, sadly people now a days virtue signal, like what you’re doing with this tweet, and ruin their kids for life. Shame.”

Another user finds the support for Green’s post disturbing. “There is absolutely nothing natural about a ‘boy’ dressing like a ‘girl’–the support shows just how screwed up our world is.” One online critic even suggests a lack of logic in society, stating, “We live in a world where children should no longer pretend to be Indians but men should pretend to be women. Utopian.”

However, Green remained a determined advocate, unwilling to yield to the online backlash.

The day after the viral tweet, Green took her son to London Pride and shared a heartwarming photo of them together.

One user commented, “My boy did too, couldn’t be prouder, he’s also at London Pride today aged 16 it’s fabulous love and to you and yours,” while another wrote, “you both look amazing xx”

A third critic attacked the mother, writing, “Your son doesn’t look like a man anymore, some kind of fa****”

We were at London Pride today too! pic.twitter.com/UCJozTQs1N

— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) July 2, 2022

Green, who mentions on Twitter that she disregards negativity, expresses her hope that the bond she shares with Korben will inspire other children and parents.

“I really hope it will help others be more accepting, let proud parents feel they are not alone, and that they can celebrate their children, and for young people to know there is a network there if they need it.” She added, “You need to accept your children for who they are.”

Korben Green is undoubtedly a courageous young man for expressing himself openly! He’s also fortunate to have a supportive mother who tunes out criticism and continues to parent him with love and acceptance.

What are your thoughts on teens attending prom in outfits that don’t align with their genders assigned at birth?

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