Posing in a fiery red skirt and a sequin-speckled tuxedo top that perfectly matches his scarlet-colored hair, 16-year-old Korben White captured attention across the internet with the billowing ballgown he wore to his high school prom.

After his mom, Nina Green, posted a viral photo showing her teenage son dressed up for prom, fervent supporters of the woke movement hailed his flowing frock. However, others criticized the choice, suggesting it reflected a parenting failure in encouraging such attire.

When Korben White was just 12, he expressed to his mother, Nina Green, his desire to attend his school prom in a gown.

In 2022, merely four years after expressing his intent, the teenager—known as “Miss Frou Frou,” a spirited young drag queen—fulfilled his wish.

In an interview with the BBC, Green elaborates on her son’s inspiration for his outfit. “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 continued, “He wanted to be Korben…but in a dress.”

As Korben stepped out of the car in his sparkly red ensemble, complete with a white shirt and a giant red bow, his big reveal received applause 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,” the proud mom said of Korben. “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 be her son’s staunchest supporter, Green expressed her unwavering support with a tweet on July 1.

Accompanied by several photos of Korben in his stunning outfit, Green’s tweet resonates with pride. “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 momentum, with millions of users worldwide sharing, commenting, and complimenting the handsome young man.

Even Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, took notice. “You are an amazing beautiful mom and your child is a STAR.”

Korben described it as “very surreal” that his mother’s tweet caught 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 display of support would generate such a frenzy. She simply wanted to showcase her son “living his best life,” a sentiment that prompted other parents to seek her advice.

Some users shared photos and anecdotes about their own gender-nonconforming children.

One writes, “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!”

A second shares, “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 writes, “Absolutely stunning! My daughter wore a suit to hers!”

Conversely, amidst the positivity, a string of other comments emerged, serving as a reminder that not everyone shares the same social perspective.

One writes, “There is very little hope for civilization,” and a second shares, “…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 internet user expressed concern about the support for Green’s post. “There is absolutely nothing natural about a ‘boy’ dressing like a ‘girl’–the support shows just how screwed up our world is.” And one cyber fan goes so far as to suggests the world is lacking logic, “We live in a world where children should no longer pretend to be Indians but men should pretend to be women. Utopian.”

However, undeterred by online negativity, Green remained a steadfast advocate for her son.

The day after the viral tweet, Green joined her son at London Pride and posted a heartwarming photo of the two of them.

One cyber 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,” and a second shared, “you both look amazing xx”

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

Commenting on Twitter, Green stated that she chooses to ignore negativity and hopes that her relationship with Korben will provide encouragement to 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 continued, “You need to accept your children for who they are.”

Korben Green is undeniably a courageous young man for expressing himself as he does! He is incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive mother who blocks out negativity and continues to parent him in the best way she knows.

What are your thoughts on teenagers attending prom in attire that does not align with their assigned gender at birth?