Korben White, a 16-year-old from Norfolk, UK, made waves by attending his high school prom in a bold red gown paired with a tuxedo top, defying traditional gender norms. Supported by his proud mother, Nina Green, Korben’s viral moment sparked both celebration and controversy. His outfit, inspired by actor Billy Porter, symbolized individuality and self-expression. The supportive reaction from his school and the global attention on social media have made Korben a powerful symbol of confidence and courage in the face of adversity.

A Prom Look Like No Other: Korben’s Dazzling Red Outfit

Korben White, a 16-year-old from Norfolk, UK, became an internet sensation after sharing his unique prom outfit: a red sequin tuxedo top paired with a flowing red ballgown. The look, which perfectly complemented his scarlet hair, made a powerful statement about self-expression and individuality. His prom moment wasn’t just about fashion—it was about embracing who he truly is, and the world took notice.

The Journey to Prom: A Dream Realized

Korben’s journey to prom started years ago, when he was just 12 years old. That’s when he told his mom, Nina Green, that he wanted to wear a dress to his school prom. This wasn’t a passing fancy for Korben—it was an expression of his desire to be himself, blending both his masculine and feminine sides. Inspired by gender-fluid fashion icon Billy Porter, Korben envisioned a look that mixed a tuxedo with a gown, creating a bold fashion statement for his big night.

By 2022, just four years later, Korben’s dream became a reality. He showed up to prom in his stunning red sequin tuxedo and gown, ready to celebrate his individuality and unapologetically be himself.

The Power of Parental Support: Nina Green’s Unwavering Love

Korben’s mom, Nina Green, has been a pillar of support throughout this journey. She shared her pride and love for her son in a viral tweet, accompanying it with photos of Korben in his eye-catching outfit. “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,” she wrote, and her tweet quickly gained millions of shares and comments.

The reaction from Korben’s school community was nothing short of heartwarming. The moment he arrived, students and staff cheered, some even moved to tears by the bravery and authenticity he displayed. Nina, who was also in tears, expressed how proud she was of the support Korben received: “Everyone has been so supportive, and his year group has been incredible. If you let your child be who they are, you’ll get nothing but the best out of them.”

Going Viral: A Global Conversation About Self-Expression

Nina’s tweet about Korben’s prom moment quickly went viral, attracting praise from around the world. Among the supporters was RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who tweeted, “You are an amazing, beautiful mom and your child is a STAR.” For Korben, it was a surreal moment, as he’s long admired Visage. “To me, she is such an icon, a wonderful celebrity, and I really admire her,” he said.

The viral post sparked conversations about gender expression, parental support, and the importance of allowing young people to be their authentic selves. It was a moment of celebration for many, but also one of reflection on the progress still needed in society.

Reactions: Love and Hate in Equal Measure

As with any viral moment, Korben’s prom look received its fair share of criticism. Some users took to social media to express their disapproval, arguing that a 12-year-old boy should be embracing traditional gender roles. “A 12-year-old boy should be playing football and learning to be a man,” one commenter wrote. While these remarks reflect the ongoing challenges many LGBTQ+ individuals face, the overwhelming response was one of acceptance and encouragement.

Other parents chimed in to share their own stories, expressing support for Korben’s bravery. One mother shared, “I’m so happy for your son. He looked absolutely amazing! My son is trans, and after years of bullying, he was denied the chance to attend prom.” Such stories highlight the importance of having strong, accepting role models and support systems for LGBTQ+ youth.

A Day at London Pride: More Love, More Support

The outpouring of love didn’t stop with Korben’s prom. The following day, he and his mom attended London Pride together, further showcasing their bond and the importance of standing by each other. The image of the two, arms around each other, radiated joy and love, with many supporters commenting on how fabulous they looked.

Despite the hate that occasionally surfaced, Nina Green remained steadfast in her support. She continues to use her platform to advocate for acceptance, saying, “I really hope it will help others be more accepting and let proud parents feel they are not alone.”

The Ultimate Message: Love and Acceptance Above All

Korben’s prom experience, from the moment he stepped out in his show-stopping gown to the viral tweet that followed, is a powerful reminder of the importance of loving and accepting our children for who they are. For Nina, her son’s happiness is the top priority. “You need to accept your children for who they are,” she said.

Korben’s bravery and self-expression serve as a beacon of hope for others who might feel uncertain about embracing their true selves. With a supportive family by his side, Korben is showing the world that authenticity is beautiful, and no one should be afraid to express it.

What do you think about teens expressing themselves through non-traditional prom outfits? Share your thoughts in the comments!