In a moment of pure self-expression that left the internet in awe, 16-year-old Korben White turned heads and broke the internet when he stepped out to his high school prom in a billowing red ballgown, paired with a sequined tuxedo top that matched his striking scarlet-colored hair. With his outfit, Korben not only dazzled in a visual spectacle but also sparked a deeper conversation about gender, identity, and the power of parental support in helping children live their truth.
The story began years earlier when Korben, then just 12 years old, made a bold and life-changing declaration to his mother, Nina Green. At that young age, he told Nina that he dreamed of attending his high school prom in a gown. As a mother, Nina’s initial reaction was one of openness, which would come to define her approach to parenting Korben. The decision wasn’t just about the outfit for Nina; it was a larger reflection of the emotional journey she and her son would navigate together. Korben’s request was more than just about prom attire. It was a declaration of who he wanted to be, a step toward authenticity, and an act of embracing his femininity while still holding on to the masculinity society had imposed on him as a boy.
Fast forward four years, and Korben’s dream became a reality. In 2022, when he was just 16, Korben—who had embraced his alter ego, Miss Frou Frou, as a sassy drag queen—donned the gown and tuxedo combo to make a statement about self-expression. The gown, which featured an elegant flowing skirt, was complemented by a sequin-covered tuxedo top—a look that was both glamorous and rebellious in its own right. He had perfectly matched the gown with a white shirt and a giant red bow. When he stepped out of the car at Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk, the reaction from students, teachers, and staff alike was one of sheer amazement. As Korben walked down the path to the prom venue, he was greeted with cheers, applause, and even tears. His teachers, as well as his peers, expressed deep emotion, and many were visibly moved by his courage to step into the world as his true self.
His mother Nina’s reaction was one of overwhelming pride and emotion. “As soon as he got out of the car, everyone just cheered, and I was crying, some of the teachers were crying,” she recalled, reflecting on how the moment felt. She went on to explain the deeper significance of this experience for her as a mother: “He was being who he wanted to be. 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.”
But the story didn’t end there. In addition to the show of support that Korben received from his school, Nina’s social media post, which shared the photos of her son in his prom attire, quickly went viral. The tweet, which celebrated Korben’s bravery and individuality, quickly garnered millions of likes, shares, and comments from people all over the world. The positive feedback flooded in, with people praising Korben for his courage and Nina for being a supportive and loving mother. Many of the responses came from parents who shared their own experiences with raising gender-nonconforming children. One tweet from a mother, in particular, resonated deeply: “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!”
For many, the moment captured by Nina’s post felt like a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility. In fact, Korben’s prom look even caught the attention of one of the most prominent figures in the LGBTQ+ community: Michelle Visage, a judge on the hit reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Visage, who has become an icon for gender expression and inclusivity, tweeted in support of Korben, saying, “You are an amazing beautiful mom and your child is a STAR.” Korben himself responded, admitting that it was surreal to see such a legend of drag culture acknowledge him. “To me, she is such an icon, a wonderful celebrity, and I really admire her,” he confessed, his voice filled with awe.
While Nina was thrilled that her tweet had captured global attention, she was also deeply moved by the support and admiration she received. She didn’t expect her simple act of love and support for her son to spark such a massive movement. She clarified, “I just wanted to show my son living his best life, and I didn’t expect it to go crazy. I wanted to show that this is my son, and he’s living the life he wants, and he’s so proud of who he is. He’s found his way.”
But as is often the case when breaking traditional gender norms, the viral tweet didn’t come without its share of backlash. While many celebrated Korben’s bold and beautiful decision to wear a gown to prom, others were quick to criticize. Some commenters took to social media to accuse Nina of being a “failure as a parent” for allowing her son to express himself in what they considered an “unacceptable” way. One user remarked, “A 12-year-old boy should be playing football and learning to be a man. But, sadly, people nowadays virtue signal, like what you’re doing with this tweet, and ruin their kids for life. Shame.” Another user commented, “There is absolutely nothing natural about a ‘boy’ dressing like a ‘girl’ – the support shows just how screwed up our world is.” The derogatory comments were harsh, and some even went so far as to make demeaning remarks about Korben’s appearance. However, Nina remained steadfast, refusing to let the negativity overshadow her pride in her son. “I ignore the negativity,” she said. “What’s important is Korben being who he wants to be. I hope others can see that and be encouraged to do the same.”
In response to the criticism, Nina continued to use her platform to advocate for the power of acceptance and the importance of celebrating one’s true self. Just a day after the tweet went viral, Nina shared another heartfelt photo of herself and Korben at London Pride, showing their solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The photo, in which both Nina and Korben wore pride gear, symbolized their commitment to living authentically and proudly. The public response to this image was overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing admiration for the pair. One commenter shared, “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 praised Nina and Korben’s strength, writing, “You both look amazing xx.”
Despite the online hate, Nina remains committed to her son’s happiness and identity. “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 said. She added that acceptance, both from parents and society, is crucial in allowing young people to flourish. “You need to accept your children for who they are,” Nina emphasized, a message that speaks volumes about the power of parental love and support.
Korben’s brave and beautiful choice to wear a gown to his prom serves as an example of the importance of allowing individuals, especially teens, to express their gender identity in the ways that feel most authentic to them. His prom outfit wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was an expression of his truth, a defiance of outdated gender norms, and an act of rebellion against a world that often tries to confine individuals to rigid expectations based on their biological sex. Korben’s journey is a reminder that gender should never limit anyone’s expression, and it is possible to break free from societal expectations while still embracing what makes you unique.
The story of Korben White is also a testament to the importance of creating supportive environments for gender-nonconforming youth. Whether at school, at home, or in the community, young people should feel safe, respected, and encouraged to embrace their authentic selves. It’s clear that Nina Green’s unwavering support has played a crucial role in helping Korben become the confident, bold young person he is today.
In the end, Korben’s prom night wasn’t just about a spectacular dress or a viral tweet; it was about the celebration of identity, the importance of family support, and the power of living authentically. His journey is one that resonates with many, and as more and more young people continue to challenge gender norms, we can hope for a future where expression is limitless, and every person is free to be themselves.
What do you think about teens breaking away from traditional gender norms when it comes to prom attire? Do you believe it’s important for young people to express themselves authentically, no matter what others may think? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation! Let’s see how this story resonates with others across the world.
