Korben White, who is 16 years old, got a lot of attention online for wearing a big fancy dress to his high school prom. He wore a red skirt and a shiny top that matched his red hair.
After Korben White’s mom, Nina Green, posted a picture of him dressed up for prom and it became really popular online, some people who support progressive ideas praised his dress, while others criticized Nina for letting him wear it, saying it shows she failed as a parent.
When Korben White was just 12 years old, he told his mom, Nina Green, that he wanted to wear a gown to his school prom.
In 2022, just four years after he said he wanted to, Korben, who also performs as a drag queen named Miss Frou Frou, wore the outfit he wanted to for prom.
Korben’s mom, Nina Green, talked to the BBC about what inspired her son. She said he wanted to show his feminine side by wearing a tuxedo top and a dress bottom, like the style of American actor Billy Porter. She said Korben wanted to be himself but also wear a dress.
When Korben got out of the car wearing a sparkly red outfit with a white shirt and a big red bow, everyone at Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk, clapped and cheered for him.
“When Korben got out of the car, everyone cheered, and I was crying, along with some teachers. He was just being himself,” said Korben’s mom proudly. “Everyone has been really supportive, especially his classmates. If you let your child be themselves, they’ll do their best.”
Continuing her strong support for her son, Green tweeted on July 1.
With some pictures of Korben in his amazing outfit, Green wrote, “When my son was 12, he said he wanted to wear a gown to his prom. Four years later, we made it happen. I’m so proud of him for being himself, and everyone at his school was really supportive.”
Her post got a lot of attention, with millions of people sharing, commenting, and complimenting Korben.
Even Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, saw it. She said, “You’re a wonderful mom, and your child is a star.”
Korben felt amazed that Visage noticed his mom’s tweet.
“I think she’s amazing, a great celebrity, and I really look up to her,” he said.
Green didn’t think her support would get so much attention. She just wanted to show her son having a great time, but now other parents are asking her for advice.
Some people posted pictures and talked about their own children who break traditional gender norms.
One person said, “I’m worried about my son. He wants to do something like this for prom, but he wouldn’t have support from all the students. It’s sad that there’s still homophobia. Good job to you, your son, and his school!”
Another person said, “I’m really happy for your son, he looked really amazing! My son is transgender. After facing transphobic bullying for three years, I had to take him out of school in January before his GCSEs because of his mental health. He always wanted to go to prom in a tuxedo, but he didn’t get the chance.”
Another person commented, “Absolutely beautiful! My daughter wore a suit to her prom!”
On the other hand, among the positive comments, there were also negative ones, showing that not everyone agrees with this kind of social acceptance.
One person said, “There’s not much hope for society.” Another person commented, “This is disgusting. People nowadays are too focused on being politically correct. Parents like you are ruining their children’s lives by promoting this behavior. Shame on you.”
Another internet user says it’s worrying that people are supporting Green’s post. They believe it’s not natural for a boy to dress like a girl and think it shows how messed up our world is. Another online supporter suggests that the world lacks logic, comparing it to a utopia where children shouldn’t pretend to be Indians but men should pretend to be women.
Despite the negative comments, Green remained strong and didn’t give in to the online hate.
However, Nina Green, who strongly supports her son, didn’t let the negative comments affect her.
The day after her tweet went viral, Green went with her son to London Pride and posted a lovely picture of them together.
One person commented, “My son also went, and I couldn’t be prouder. He’s 16 and at London Pride today. It’s wonderful. Love to you and your family.” Another person wrote, “You both look fantastic xx”
Another person insults the mom, saying, “Your son doesn’t look like a man anymore, he looks like some kind of derogatory term.”
Despite the negative comment, Green says she ignores the negativity on Twitter. She hopes that her relationship with Korben will encourage other children and parents.
She wants proud parents to know they’re not alone and can celebrate their children. She also wants young people to know there’s support available if they need it. She believes it’s important to accept your children for who they are.
Korben Green is really brave for being himself! He’s lucky to have a mom who supports him no matter what. She ignores negative comments and keeps being a great parent.
What do you think about teens going to prom in clothes that don’t match the gender they were born with?
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