Korben White, 16, made news with his daring prom outfit: a fiery red skirt with a sequinned tuxedo top that matched his bright red hair. Nina Green, Korben’s proud mother, posted pictures of him on social media and praised his confidence and ability to describe himself.
He told his mum that he wanted to wear a dress to prom when he was 12. After four years, he made it happen as a young drag queen named Miss Frou Frou. Korben’s outfit was a mix of a suit top and a flowing dress, which was based on the American actor Billy Porter.
Green told the BBC, “He wanted to be himself and show his feminine side.” Archie Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk, staff and students cheered when Korben walked in, and some teachers cried.
“At age 12, my son said he wanted to wear a gown to prom,” Green wrote on Twitter. We finally did it after four years. He is very brave to be himself, and I admire that. Millions of people saw and commented on the post, and it went viral.
A RuPaul’s Drag Race judge named Michelle Visage said that Green was a “amazingly beautiful mum” and that Korben was a “STAR.” Korben thought it was “surreal” that his hero was paying attention to him.
Many people praised Korben’s bravery, but others said Green was a bad mum and called her parenting a “failure.” Concerns were raised about bullying based on homophobia and transphobia.
Green stays strong even though people are mean to them online. They hope that their story will help others accept them. She told her, “You need to accept your kids just the way they are.”
As always, Green and Korben share love and acceptance at London Pride. Green ignores bad things and focuses on helping her son and other people.
Green’s unwavering support and Korben’s bravery start important talks about identity, love, and understanding. What do you think about teens being themselves by wearing non-traditional clothes to prom?
