A 16-year-old schoolboy in the UK has become internet famous this week after photos of him dressed for his prom appeared online.
Proud mum Nina Green posted the pics of son Korben on her Twitter, saying, “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. What do you think @michellevisage @theebillyporter”
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. What do you think @michellevisage @theebillyporter pic.twitter.com/lsLKnmY9k5
— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) July 1, 2022
Korben attended Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Norfolk. When he turned up with friends for the prom, other pupils gave him a resounding cheer when he emerged from their car.
Mom Nina told the BBC, “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,” she said.
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“Everyone has been very supportive, and his year group has been incredible.
Among those to share the tweet was Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who congratulated Nina on her parenting skills: “Ohhhhhhhh yes! You are an amazing beautiful mom and your child is a STAR.”
Ohhhhhhhh yes! You are an amazing beautiful mom and your child is a STAR https://t.co/xNijKTggAM
— michelle visage (@michellevisage) July 1, 2022
Related: That time a straight teen asked his gay best friend to prom in the cutest promposal ever
Korben already had his own drag persona, named Miss Frou Frou, and tweets under that name. Mom Nina says that for prom, he didn’t want to go in full drag, but just as himself. He was inspired by a hero of his: Billy Porter.
Actor and singer Porter has made a name for himself with some of his red carpet outfits, many of which have challenged traditional gender norms.
Wow! When I posted images of my son being true to himself I never expected it to get the response it has. The support & positivity has been overwhelming & have totally drowned out the few negative ones which we take no notice of. It’s his life & I’m letting him live it ♥️ pic.twitter.com/1gq1VKygwx
— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) July 2, 2022
Since the post went viral, Korben and his mom have done several TV interviews in the UK, and they’ve both been blown away by the supportive comments they’ve received.
Thanks to @itvanglia for having @missfroufrou1 & I on today to share the message of acceptance & being true to yourself. We’re still so overwhelmed with the massive show of solidarity from so many. I haven’t been able to respond to every lovely message but we’re very grateful ♥️ pic.twitter.com/j1Xc9JSNlt
— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) July 6, 2022
“I just wanted to show parents in the same situation that it’s OK,” Nina told the BBC.
“I think it’s so important to fly the flag, for people who don’t get the support he does.
A big shout out to everyone who has shown so much love and acceptance to me and @missfroufrou1 this last 48 hours! We have been totally overwhelmed. It’s great to hear from so many other parents who are accepting of their children no matter what #ProudParentsClub pic.twitter.com/h158IA7NvW
— Nina Green (@thisisneenz) July 3, 2022
Related: High school football player and swimmer boyfriend share prom pics, melt hearts
In a phone call to Queerty, Korben, who is gay, said the last week had been crazy “in the best way possible.”
Having completed his GCSE exams, he’s now enjoying a summer break, before looking ahead to embarking on a musical theatre course next year. His dream is to pursue a career in the entertainment industry in some form. He’d also love to one day appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Before that, he says he has some upcoming drag shows later this month to coincide with the local Norwich Pride.
“It’s very exciting and I can’t wait to show Miss Frou Frou to the world.”
Mom Nina told Queerty, “He’s a true performer. He’s been performing since he was about four, got very serious about it when he was about 12, and he’s been involved in a lot of different theatre companies in the Norwich area, and he’s with a really fantastic youth theatre group called Echo Youth Theatre. He absolutely loves it.”
They both credit Korben’s school with supporting his self-expression, and Korben says he knows he’s been very fortunate to not experience bullying when so many other LGBTQ kids do. He also knows he’s been lucky to have a very supportive family.
Nina says she finds it hard to give advice to other parents that may not know how to react to having an LGBTQ kid as not everyone has had the same experiences as her. She believes negative reactions are sometimes rooted in the fears parents have around their kids facing stigma for being perceived as “different”.
“For me, as a parent, it’s been really natural just to accept Korben for who he is, but I also understand that people come from different backgrounds, so they may not have had the education and awareness of what it’s like to grow up with someone from the LGBTQ community,” she says.
“But, at the end of the day, my message is, if you allow your child to be who they want and need to be, you will get nothing but the best out of your child. We can’t force our children to be something they’re not.
“I want my children to live their true lives, and if this is the real him, which I absolutely believe it is, then great. I’m not going to hide him away. Every child should be given the opportunity to explore who they are, and to find their way with supportive and loving parents.”
mastik8
He rocked that dress. Fantastic.
Jaws1939
I am 55. I wish I had the guts that this man has when I was his age. I was just throwing stones in high school. I love the fact he is his own drummer. He is not planting his “Freak Flag” he is planting a flag. And my god what beautiful flag it is.
billl
In the simplest of terms, dude…
Yours are not the thoughts or ideas of a serious or intelligent man.
Jim
Okay let’s be honest. The lipstick was overkill
msfrost
Not at all; full makeup, would have been the icing on the cake.
ScottOnEarth
No way. It’s perfect.
craigbrew2
Wear whatever you want but don’t call it brave to do so. This is just attention seeking.
abfab
Oh, the irony. Graig! Go outside and play little boy.
Mr. Stadnick
What is your problem? He’s going to a prom not to a job at a bank.
overlarry
“Attention seeking”??
Well…. yes. Don’t many (most?) kids who get dressed to the nines for school prom seek some attention for their efforts? I, personally, wouldn’t have done what Korben did. But… I’m. Not. Korben!
You do you, Korben I’ll do me.
monty clift
Craig doesn’t understand the concept of a prom.
LumpyPillows
Of course it was brave.
craigbrew2
Abfab – I’ve been fighting for gay rights for over 40 years, so just stop.
Mr. Stadnick – I’m just pointing out, given the strides we have made as a community, it’s not brave to dress this way anymore. 25 years ago, yes, today, no.
Overlarry – agreed. I don’t care that he wore a dress to prom to feel good about himself (sorry if I got the pronouns wrong). Pron is to feel special and they accomplished that. I’m just critical of the praise.
Monty Clift – I understand the concept of Prom
LumpyPillows – it wasn’t brave in my small opinion
Kangol2
Good for him and so wonderful to see he has a supportive, loving mother in his corner! It’s also great that his schoolmates have been so affirming & that people outside the school also have affirmed him. What a better world we would be if there were more of this and far less to no hate!
bachy
Looks like a Disney princess!
abfab
Reminds me of Annie Lennox. Gorgeous!
LumpyPillows
Annie Lennox! Yes.
GrizzleyMichael
Awesome and you look awesome and beautiful. Just ignore all the other rude comments because they are jealous.
MystiRivers
He worked the look. Good for him.
Mr. Stadnick
The Mom in this story is a real star too. She has raised a smart and honest kid.
Essie
It really is a stunning outfit. I mean, the jacket is just beautiful because it’s short, which is perfect for the long skirt and big bowtie. Perfect proportions. Amazing that this kid has the most wonderful mother. Brings tears to my old eyes.
LumpyPillows
It is a great male/female design that seems to mesh with his approach.
monty clift
It suits him and looks like it was actually made for him. When Harry Styles wore a dress it just looked like he took a woman’s dress and put it on which didn’t suit him at all.
prarie pup
That kid is very brave.
ScottOnEarth
That is truly a gorgeous dress. The entire look is amazing and he works it perfectly, including his commitment to always showing that cute handbag! Not only is he stunning but his mother is really incredible.
inbama
Did he have a date?
BuddyinCA
That’s exactly what I wanted to know!
scotty
“…arrived with friends….”
galileo
That outfit is truly fabulous and well done them, as to “Prom”, nope. That kind of cultural nonsense can stay in the USA where it belongs, there is far too much US television being shown in the UK, indoctrinating the young in US culture to the detriment of our own culture and traditions.
Just.my.opinion
I am not a fan.
LeBlevsez
A jealous looky-loo, then?
abfab
Well of course you’re not a fan silly! This is the first time seeing him. I’d love to see what you’re wearing tomorrow.
MystiRivers
I’m not sure how many of you have gender-bent in your day but I can assure you it is indeed a brave thing to do!