Sixteen-year-old Korben White took the internet by storm after he attended his high school prom wearing a stunning outfit that combined a red ballgown skirt with a sequin-adorned tuxedo top, perfectly complementing his bright red hair. The bold look was shared widely after Korben’s mother, Nina Green, posted photos of him online, drawing both praise and backlash.

The story actually began years earlier. When Korben was just 12 years old, he told his mother that he wanted to wear a gown to his high school prom. Four years later, he fulfilled that dream. The young drag performer, who goes by the stage name “Miss Frou Frou,” stepped out in an outfit that was inspired by the style of actor Billy Porter, combining both masculine and feminine elements.

In an interview with the BBC, Nina Green explained that her son wanted to attend prom as his authentic self, expressing both sides of his personality. The moment Korben arrived at the event, dressed in his eye-catching ensemble, he was met with cheers and applause from both teachers and students at Archbishop Sancroft High School in Norfolk. Nina recalled with pride how emotional it was to see her son embraced for who he is, saying, “Some of the teachers were even crying. The support he received was overwhelming.”

Nina, who has been her son’s biggest supporter, took to Twitter on July 1 to share photos of Korben in his prom outfit. She proudly wrote, “At age 12, my son announced he wanted to go to prom in a gown. Four years later, we made it happen. I’m so incredibly proud of him for being true to himself.” The post quickly went viral, receiving thousands of comments and shares from around the world.

Among those who reacted to Korben’s bold fashion statement was Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. She applauded Nina, tweeting, “You are an amazing, beautiful mom, and your child is a STAR.” Korben was thrilled to receive praise from Visage, someone he deeply admires. He described the moment as “surreal” and expressed his admiration for her as an icon in the LGBTQ+ community.

However, not everyone was as supportive. The post also attracted its fair share of criticism. Some commenters accused Nina of being a bad parent for allowing her son to express himself in this way. Detractors criticized Korben’s choice of attire, with some calling it “vile” and a sign of poor parenting. One comment read, “A 12-year-old boy should be playing football and learning to be a man,” while another argued that such displays only contribute to the decline of societal values.

Despite the harsh remarks, Nina remained undeterred. She even took her son to London Pride the day after prom, where they celebrated alongside the LGBTQ+ community. She shared another photo of the two at the event, further demonstrating her unwavering support. In response to negative comments, Nina emphasized the importance of letting children be themselves, saying, “I hope this story encourages other parents to embrace and support their children, no matter who they are.”

Many users who supported Korben shared their own stories of raising children who challenge traditional gender norms. One mother expressed her sadness that her son, who wanted to attend prom in a dress, lacked the support of his peers. Another parent recounted how her transgender son had to leave school due to bullying. For them, seeing Korben’s story offered a glimmer of hope and encouragement.

Ultimately, Korben White’s prom outfit became more than just a fashion statement—it sparked a conversation about acceptance, individuality, and the importance of supporting children in their journey of self-expression. As Korben continues to explore his identity with the unconditional backing of his mother, their story serves as a reminder of the power of love and acceptance.

Nina’s message to other parents is clear: “Accept your children for who they are.” Her wish is that their story will inspire others to be more understanding, encouraging not only children but also their parents to embrace who they truly are.

What’s your take on teens expressing themselves in ways that defy traditional gender expectations? Share your thoughts and let’s see what others have to say!