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Boy, 16, Divides the Internet with Spectacular Ballgown

Allow me to introduce you to a young man named Korben White. At just 16, he has taken the internet by storm, donning a breathtaking ballgown to his high school prom. Picture this: a fiery red skirt coupled with a tuxedo top adorned with sequins, perfectly complementing his vibrant scarlet hair.

It all started with a heartwarming post by Korben’s mother, Nina Green. She proudly shared images of him all dressed up for the big night. The images quickly went viral, sparking a plethora of reactions online. Supporters of progressive ideas cheered his bold choice, while some detractors criticized it, questioning parental influence.

Korben didn’t come to this decision overnight. Four years ago, at the age of 12, he confided in his mom about his wish to attend prom in a gown. Fast forward to 2022, and Korben, a vibrant young drag queen under the name Miss Frou Frou, made his dream a reality.

“He wanted to embrace his true self while showcasing his feminine side,” Nina Green explained in an interview with the BBC. “Inspired by American actor Billy Porter, he envisioned wearing a tuxedo on top and a flowing dress below. Korben wanted to be Korben, just with a gown.”

The big reveal was nothing short of spectacular. As he stepped out of the car in his sparkly red ensemble, complete with a crisp white shirt and a grand red bow, the staff and students of Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk, greeted him with applause.

“The moment he got out, there was an outpouring of cheers, bringing tears to my eyes,” Nina recalled. “Even some teachers were moved to tears seeing him embrace his authentic self. The entire school has been incredibly supportive. It goes to show that when you allow your child to be who they truly are, wonderful things happen.”

Korben’s biggest advocate, Nina continued to champion his cause on social media, sharing a heartwarming tweet that quickly gained traction with millions around the world.

This tweet even caught the attention of Michelle Visage, a judge on the famed RuPaul’s Drag Race. She applauded Korben, saying, “You are an amazing, beautiful mom, and your child is a STAR.” Korben was amazed, saying, “It’s surreal that someone I admire noticed my mom’s tweet.”

Little did Nina anticipate the extent to which their story would resonate. She intended merely to showcase her son “living his best life,” but it inspired countless other parents.

Many shared their stories and photos, affirming their support. One parent expressed concern over their son wanting to do something similar but lacking peer support. Another shared their trans son’s ordeal with school bullying and how it deprived him of prom. Yet another simply marveled at their daughter who wore a suit to her prom.

While these positive affirmations were abundant, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Some online critics disapproved of Korben’s choice, labeling it as unnatural.

Nonetheless, Nina continues to stand strong against negative comments. Even after the viral tweet, she celebrated by attending London Pride with Korben, sharing special moments online.

She hopes their journey inspires acceptance among other families, reassuring parents and youth that they are not solitary in their experiences and encouraging them to celebrate their true selves.

Korben’s bravery in expressing himself sets an inspiring example, and his loving mother’s unwavering support demonstrates the power of a nurturing parent-child relationship.

What are your thoughts on teenagers attending prom in outfits that defy traditional gender expectations?

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