Supportive Mom Shares Pics Of Son Wearing A Dress For Prom, Inspiring Others To Accept And Celebrate Their Children
Ah, prom. The grand social occasion of the year. The one evening where dreams come true for highschoolers. The first dance with your crush. The amazing dresses and decor. The opportunity to feel special. Or have it all burn down in flames – I’m looking at you, Carrie!
Regardless of how it goes, one thing is for sure – you must look your very best. And this boy delivered! He had a dream when he was 12 of wearing a dress to prom one day. Well, his dream finally came true when he donned a fabulous red gown and made us all say “slay the house down boots Houston I’m deceased!”
Before we dive into the details, dear fashion Panda, tell me – what’s the craziest thing you’d ever wear to prom? Something that still fits the formal theme, yet would stand out in the glitz and glamor of it all. Can’t wait to read your answers at the end, but now let’s dive into the story.
More info: Twitter
A 16-year-old boy named Korben had long dreamed of wearing a gown to prom. This year, he made it happen and looked fabulous!
Image credits: thisisneenz
Prom seems to be the Met Gala of highschool. Bored Panda featured a young woman who’d made a dress out of worn-out Harry Potter books just for prom (and looked stunning, btw), and now we’re looking at a 16-year-old boy named Korben, who chose to wear a fabulous sequined jacket top and a complementary voluminous skirt. To accompany the look, he added a red oversized bowtie, red lipstick, and a sparkling crown.
What shone brighter than all the sequins combined was his beautiful smile and persona. He couldn’t have been happier to express himself and his style! His classmates and the staff at Sancroft High School in Norfolk, England, cheered him on, and his mom, Nina Green, shared the fabulous look in a now-viral tweet, gathering 127.5K Likes.
He donned a Billy Porter inspired ensemble of a red sequined jacket top, a complementary voluminous skirt, red lipstick, and a sparkling crown
Image credits: thisisneenz
The boy has been wearing dresses since he was four, and at 12-years-old, Korben dreamed of one day wearing a gown to prom. Four years later, his dream came true. Korben told ITV that it was very important, not only for his own self-expression but to inspire others as well.
“I didn’t want to not be me, I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable at prom,” he said. “I should be able to feel comfortable expressing myself and I had a really good time and I feel fabulous. I hope that everybody else will also feel comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing.”
Image credits: thisisneenz
Korben received nothing but praise from his peers upon arriving at prom. “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,” his mom recalled. “Everyone has been very supportive, and his year group has been incredible.”
Nina told the BBC: “He wants to go as himself, while expressing his feminine side – with a tuxedo on the top and a dress at the bottom. […] He wanted to be Korben… but in a dress.” She explained to ITV that “I just wanted to show other parents that it’s OK to support your children and allow them to be them. I’ve always believed that if you let your children be who they really want to be and need to be you’ll only get the best out of them.”
“I didn’t want to not be me,” the boy said. Upon seeing Korben, his peers and teachers erupted in cheers, with some even wiping away tears
Image credits: thisisneenz
The inspiration for the design came from one of his idols, Billy Porter, an American actor, singer, and writer, whose style has been breaking barriers on red carpets for years. As stylist Sam Ratelle told Variety, when they create looks with Billy, they “always look to blur the lines between masculinity and femininity.”
Emilia Bergoglio argues that we should completely remove the association of certain clothing with a specific gender and instead accept people wearing whatever clothing they want.
They believe that “clothes are just clothes and are only a proxy of expression – they don’t have any gender of their own separate from the wearer.” In practice, this would mean simply letting go of womenswear and menswear labels and expanding sizing to cater to more people.
His mom, Nina Green, tweeted photos of him in his ensemble, and they went viral, with some of his idols, including Michelle Visage, taking notice
Image credits: thisisneenz
The vast amount of love and support the boy received on Twitter was beyond anything they imagined. Nina just wanted to show her son “living his best life” and share what it looks like when someone is allowed to live their truth.
The photos even reached RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage, another of Korben’s idols, who tweeted: “You are an amazing beautiful mom and your child is a STAR.” The young boy also performs in drag and is known as Miss Frou Frou, thus the moment meant a lot to Korben.
“When I showed Korben the retweet he was absolutely blown away,” Nina said. They were headed to the London Pride when notifications started piling up. Someone even identified Korben from the tweet, coming up to him to say: “Are you the boy in the red dress? I think you’re amazing.”
Other parents proudly shared pictures of their kids breaking long-standing fashion rules
Image credits: tyler_waage
Not only has the tweet showcased Korben’s style, but also plenty of others’, as parents started sharing pictures of their kids breaking long-standing rules. Girls were wearing suits, while some other boys were wearing skirts and dresses.
On his own Twitter account he thanked everyone for their kindness and support, saying: “Oh my goodness… the amount of love… THANK YOU!! Thank you to everyone who is not only supportive of me but supports the LGBTQIA+ community! Thank you for spreading love!”
Image credits: laholland24
Image credits: MikeMcCusker15
The tweet has grown into something special, and Nina hopes that “it will help others be more accepting and show parents they can celebrate their children”
Image credits: CollinsEdmunds
Of course, there were those who were not as appreciative or supportive of Korben. Thankfully, the boy has a lot of confidence and a strong support network of people that have his back.
“I’m very lucky because I do have a lot of confidence and I’ve got thick skin,” he said, laughing at the immaturity and ignorance out there. “It is a shame and my heart goes out to those people. We should be educating people to make sure they understand what they’re saying and why it may not be correct.”
Image credits: MonikaCooper1
His mom expressed the importance of flying the pride flag “for people who don’t get the support he does” and hopes that the world becomes a better place for all LGBTQ+ people.
“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. You need to accept your children for who they are.”
We wish Korben all the best and can’t wait to see him modeling more amazing pieces of clothing!
Image credits: thisisneenz
Fashion goes hand in hand with personal expression. It’s supposed to make us feel comfortable and confident, while also allowing us to showcase our individuality. As research and the experiences of countless gender-nonconforming people show, sex and gender aren’t perfectly binary, so why should clothes be?
We wish Korben the best of luck in life and hope to see him modeling more fabulous pieces of clothing! Let us know your thoughts on the gown in the comments below, as well as your answer to the question posed at the very beginning of the article! I shall wish you a fab day!
Thousands of people have come forth to show their appreciation and love. Let us know your thoughts and what you wore, or will wear, to prom yourself!
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The dress is lovely, but I am more impressed that the red worked amazingly with that color of red hair. Gonna have to reevaluate my whole life now💜.
That's what I was thinking! He is spellbinding and ethereal and other fancy words for "wow!".
Load More Replies...I will never understand people who have an issue with someone wanting to wear a dress if it's a boy or a suit if it's a girl. Let people be happy and just be! They all look fabulous and happy and comfortable in their own skin and that is all that matters!
Didn't everyone used to wear robes anyway?? It's just cloth.
Load More Replies...Despite everything wrong with the world today, I'm actually a bit excited. People are getting a whole lot more interesting and unique and they are being allowed to do so in so many unique and beautiful ways. There is still a long way to go but thank God for kids like Korben and the rest. They're bringing beauty to this world that desperately needs it.
I agree so much. My sons school is so different from when I was in school. They have safe space and trained support for LGBTQ+ kids, they have a room for kids that observe Ramadan (fasting) to be during lunch, they put change stalls in the boys change room because some of the boys didn't like to be out in the open, they have a gender neural bathroom. ALL this because the principle has the kids give suggestions. This is Kindergarden - Grade 6 so from a very young age they are being shown they have a voice AND IT MATTERS. I gave me so much hope for GenZ.
Load More Replies...I'm sorry, but that dress is hideous. The crinoline needed to go at least four inches longer and the waist needed to be raised. Looks like his waist is at hip level. I LOVE the sass though. Looks so happy
Ha! Honestly, I kinda have to agree. Love the confidence, hate the dress.
Load More Replies...I love this kid! Don't know him, wish I did. He seems like such a sweet, fun, and interesting guy! As for his choice of attire? I've seen celebrities that didn't look that fabulous! Absolutely to die for!!!🤩🔥🌈🌟❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
The rest of the outfit is so perfect that I'm really upset by the crown. It's wrong for the rest of the outfit. Too slim, not bold enough. He needs a heavier crown with big, bold red gems. Maybe even one of those velvety British crowns. This one just doesn't work. And I'm really disappointed because the skirt, tux, and oversized bowtie are BEYOND PERFECT and then the crown is not. To be clear, I'm not saying he shouldn't wear a crown. I'm saying this crown is the wrong style for the outfit.
So first and foremost, good for him! I'm glad he's got such a supportive family and school. Second, can I just take a moment to acknowledge how cute a tux jacket gown combo genuinely looks? Like I love that! I hope that becomes a fashion trend cause I'd love to see more of it!
The only thing I don't like is that the bottom isn't as BAM as the top. I wish it was allllll sparkle lol
I have to be honest and say the first thing I thought of was "Korben"? as In Korben from the Fifth Element? And then the pose was spot on of Ruby Rhod posing in his dress so now I have to go home and watch TFE and smile all the way thinking of what an amazing young man Korben is and what an amazing mom he has. Rock on Korben!!!
I wish my parents were this supportive, my dad gets mad every time I mention interest in even wearing a suit, much less to prom. Anyway, good for them, they all look great! 😊
This gorgeous young lad is stunning and looks so happy and proud! Great parenting Mom so that he knows he is loved unconditionally and supported to the max! Wish everyone had a wonderful parent like you! Korben is such a gorgeous lad, he should be modeling, if he wants to that is. Best of luck to him whatever he decides for his future!💞💞💞
As soon as the dagnabbit onion ninjas disappear, I might be able to type the word STUNNING!!! He ROCKS it!! Utterly fabulous!
These young people are showing us the way! More power to them, I say!!
Gorgeous outfit! What is sticking up Out of his hair? Is that like a modern tiara?
Here to give us all low self esteem by being absolutely GORGEOUS!!
Korben looks amazing and stylish in this ensemble. I hope he had a wonderful prom.
The thing is that certain schools knowing your Gender will not let these kids wear clothing like that, they will have a problem with that until they find out that their kid wants to cross dress then we have a problem, there is ALWAYS going to be an ADULT that opens their mouths about it NOT the kids which makes it so bad, that one Karen is the Big Mouth out the bunch.
I Hope he fabulously cat walked down the aile in the prom like the king he is, Just to show he is not afraid of looks, feel confident And beautiful
He looked so beautifully handsome... so happy for him. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖
I love that the mom was supportive regardless of what the dress meant to Korben. It didn't matter if he was gay, trans, cishet or anything else that could be attached to him wanting to wear a dress. He just wanted to be, "Korben but in a dress," and he rocked it 🤩
Be who you are, even if no one in the entire world likes it but you. I'm a total tomboy...Prom and big dances were the only times I went all out girl. I like shocking people with what was under the goth makeup and 90s goth grunge. I'm still a total tomboy with a whopping 4 dresses that are older than my kids I pull out for occasions where as my daughters are total girly girls that constantly want mom makeovers and cringe and cry when I wash my face with the handsoap.
Everyone in this thread looked so amazing! It is very nice to see how they are all so happy with their own choices and not ones being forced onto them like so many. You all look great! Also, as a natural redhead, please tell me how you can rock that color so well. I must be doing something wrong when i try. I avoid the color red at all costs lol
From a woman (respectfully) you look hot!! Korban, I love the entire idea as well as the look overall. It's a fully perfect outfit 😍
Where did the dress come from? Did they make it? It's absolutely fabulous
What if your son wants to go in a SS uniform because that's what he truly believes he is, a Nazi?
Nazi is a hateful thing that caused alot of harm. The difference here is that him wearing a dress is causing no one any harm
Load More Replies...You can be proud of who you are without being a total b***h about it. You're just awful.
Load More Replies...Why does it matter if hes happy? Besides its not hurting anyone so i dont see the issue
Load More Replies...This comment makes absolutely no sense. So are parents supposed to be supportive of some delusions ,but ,not the ones that "look dumb" ? There's about 2-4 other statements that make no sense!
Load More Replies...Dude, a boy just wanted to wear a dress, that's it. You can wear a dress and be a guy without being gay or trans, it's just clothing. And I'm so tired of the, "it's a lifestyle" "argument" because no one in the lgbtq+ community wants the problems that unfortunately come along with being part of it. Nobody chooses to be gay, they only choose to accept themselves. Also, people can be attracted to traits typically associated with masculinity or femininity without being attracted to men or women. Some guys want girlfriends who will "do guy stuff" with them but they're only attracted to women and some gals want boyfriends who will "do girl stuff" with them but they're only attracted to men. Yeah, a lot of people do like the opposite gender and are more attracted to those with the traits typically associated with said gender but that's not everyone and it has nothing to do with being part of the lgbtq+ community :)
Load More Replies...THIS looks like mental illness. The clothing cannot hurt you, Thomas.
Load More Replies...That they got some trolls hating on them just for clothing choice? I completely agree
Load More Replies...Shame from not being as absolutely fabulous and strong as their son? Or from not being as confident and good looking? Either way you might be right
Load More Replies...The dress is lovely, but I am more impressed that the red worked amazingly with that color of red hair. Gonna have to reevaluate my whole life now💜.
That's what I was thinking! He is spellbinding and ethereal and other fancy words for "wow!".
Load More Replies...I will never understand people who have an issue with someone wanting to wear a dress if it's a boy or a suit if it's a girl. Let people be happy and just be! They all look fabulous and happy and comfortable in their own skin and that is all that matters!
Didn't everyone used to wear robes anyway?? It's just cloth.
Load More Replies...Despite everything wrong with the world today, I'm actually a bit excited. People are getting a whole lot more interesting and unique and they are being allowed to do so in so many unique and beautiful ways. There is still a long way to go but thank God for kids like Korben and the rest. They're bringing beauty to this world that desperately needs it.
I agree so much. My sons school is so different from when I was in school. They have safe space and trained support for LGBTQ+ kids, they have a room for kids that observe Ramadan (fasting) to be during lunch, they put change stalls in the boys change room because some of the boys didn't like to be out in the open, they have a gender neural bathroom. ALL this because the principle has the kids give suggestions. This is Kindergarden - Grade 6 so from a very young age they are being shown they have a voice AND IT MATTERS. I gave me so much hope for GenZ.
Load More Replies...I'm sorry, but that dress is hideous. The crinoline needed to go at least four inches longer and the waist needed to be raised. Looks like his waist is at hip level. I LOVE the sass though. Looks so happy
Ha! Honestly, I kinda have to agree. Love the confidence, hate the dress.
Load More Replies...I love this kid! Don't know him, wish I did. He seems like such a sweet, fun, and interesting guy! As for his choice of attire? I've seen celebrities that didn't look that fabulous! Absolutely to die for!!!🤩🔥🌈🌟❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
The rest of the outfit is so perfect that I'm really upset by the crown. It's wrong for the rest of the outfit. Too slim, not bold enough. He needs a heavier crown with big, bold red gems. Maybe even one of those velvety British crowns. This one just doesn't work. And I'm really disappointed because the skirt, tux, and oversized bowtie are BEYOND PERFECT and then the crown is not. To be clear, I'm not saying he shouldn't wear a crown. I'm saying this crown is the wrong style for the outfit.
So first and foremost, good for him! I'm glad he's got such a supportive family and school. Second, can I just take a moment to acknowledge how cute a tux jacket gown combo genuinely looks? Like I love that! I hope that becomes a fashion trend cause I'd love to see more of it!
The only thing I don't like is that the bottom isn't as BAM as the top. I wish it was allllll sparkle lol
I have to be honest and say the first thing I thought of was "Korben"? as In Korben from the Fifth Element? And then the pose was spot on of Ruby Rhod posing in his dress so now I have to go home and watch TFE and smile all the way thinking of what an amazing young man Korben is and what an amazing mom he has. Rock on Korben!!!
I wish my parents were this supportive, my dad gets mad every time I mention interest in even wearing a suit, much less to prom. Anyway, good for them, they all look great! 😊
This gorgeous young lad is stunning and looks so happy and proud! Great parenting Mom so that he knows he is loved unconditionally and supported to the max! Wish everyone had a wonderful parent like you! Korben is such a gorgeous lad, he should be modeling, if he wants to that is. Best of luck to him whatever he decides for his future!💞💞💞
As soon as the dagnabbit onion ninjas disappear, I might be able to type the word STUNNING!!! He ROCKS it!! Utterly fabulous!
These young people are showing us the way! More power to them, I say!!
Gorgeous outfit! What is sticking up Out of his hair? Is that like a modern tiara?
Here to give us all low self esteem by being absolutely GORGEOUS!!
Korben looks amazing and stylish in this ensemble. I hope he had a wonderful prom.
The thing is that certain schools knowing your Gender will not let these kids wear clothing like that, they will have a problem with that until they find out that their kid wants to cross dress then we have a problem, there is ALWAYS going to be an ADULT that opens their mouths about it NOT the kids which makes it so bad, that one Karen is the Big Mouth out the bunch.
I Hope he fabulously cat walked down the aile in the prom like the king he is, Just to show he is not afraid of looks, feel confident And beautiful
He looked so beautifully handsome... so happy for him. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖
I love that the mom was supportive regardless of what the dress meant to Korben. It didn't matter if he was gay, trans, cishet or anything else that could be attached to him wanting to wear a dress. He just wanted to be, "Korben but in a dress," and he rocked it 🤩
Be who you are, even if no one in the entire world likes it but you. I'm a total tomboy...Prom and big dances were the only times I went all out girl. I like shocking people with what was under the goth makeup and 90s goth grunge. I'm still a total tomboy with a whopping 4 dresses that are older than my kids I pull out for occasions where as my daughters are total girly girls that constantly want mom makeovers and cringe and cry when I wash my face with the handsoap.
Everyone in this thread looked so amazing! It is very nice to see how they are all so happy with their own choices and not ones being forced onto them like so many. You all look great! Also, as a natural redhead, please tell me how you can rock that color so well. I must be doing something wrong when i try. I avoid the color red at all costs lol
From a woman (respectfully) you look hot!! Korban, I love the entire idea as well as the look overall. It's a fully perfect outfit 😍
Where did the dress come from? Did they make it? It's absolutely fabulous
What if your son wants to go in a SS uniform because that's what he truly believes he is, a Nazi?
Nazi is a hateful thing that caused alot of harm. The difference here is that him wearing a dress is causing no one any harm
Load More Replies...You can be proud of who you are without being a total b***h about it. You're just awful.
Load More Replies...Why does it matter if hes happy? Besides its not hurting anyone so i dont see the issue
Load More Replies...This comment makes absolutely no sense. So are parents supposed to be supportive of some delusions ,but ,not the ones that "look dumb" ? There's about 2-4 other statements that make no sense!
Load More Replies...Dude, a boy just wanted to wear a dress, that's it. You can wear a dress and be a guy without being gay or trans, it's just clothing. And I'm so tired of the, "it's a lifestyle" "argument" because no one in the lgbtq+ community wants the problems that unfortunately come along with being part of it. Nobody chooses to be gay, they only choose to accept themselves. Also, people can be attracted to traits typically associated with masculinity or femininity without being attracted to men or women. Some guys want girlfriends who will "do guy stuff" with them but they're only attracted to women and some gals want boyfriends who will "do girl stuff" with them but they're only attracted to men. Yeah, a lot of people do like the opposite gender and are more attracted to those with the traits typically associated with said gender but that's not everyone and it has nothing to do with being part of the lgbtq+ community :)
Load More Replies...THIS looks like mental illness. The clothing cannot hurt you, Thomas.
Load More Replies...That they got some trolls hating on them just for clothing choice? I completely agree
Load More Replies...Shame from not being as absolutely fabulous and strong as their son? Or from not being as confident and good looking? Either way you might be right
Load More Replies...
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