In today’s world social media is an undeniable force, and the story of 16-year-old Korben White is the perfect proof of that. This young man attracted the attention of millions all thanks to a single tweet by his mother showing him rocking a red gown to his prom.
Korben posed in a fiery red skirt and a sequin-speckled tuxedo top that perfectly matches his scarlet-colored hair, not a typical outfit for a boy one would say, but he wanted to send the message that “you can be who you want to be.”
Speaking with the BBC, his mom Nina Green explained her son’s inspiration. “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.”
Nina had no idea the photo of her son would go viral, she just wanted to show her family and friends that her boy was “living his best life.”
“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.
“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.
“There are people in the world who still don’t understand, but the feeling of acceptance, you can’t beat that feeling.
“I am so happy for him.”
She only learned that her post reached thousands of people the following day while she and Korben headed to Pride in London.
Among those who were intrigued by Korben’s choice of clothing was his idols – Ru Paul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage who commented that the teenage was a “star.”
Korben said it was “very surreal” that his mother’s tweet captured the attention of Visage.
“To me she is such an icon, a wonderful celebrity and I really admire her,” he said.
Nina’s photo of her son, which sparked support and love, encouraged other parents to share stories of their own gender-bending children.
“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!” one person wrote.
“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,” another shared.
“Absolutely stunning! My daughter wore a suit to hers!” a third shared about his daughter’s prom’s outfit.
As expected, there were also those who slammed Nina’s parenting, dubbing her a bad mom for allowing her son to wear a dress.
“There is very little hope for civilization,” one naysayer wrote, and a second added: “…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.”
Nina shared that she has been receiving calls from parents all over the country who ask for advice on how to be as acceptable as she has been towards her son.
“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.”
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