Parents attack prom king for wearing dress; peers think he's fabulous

[left-of-center2012]

Adam Bell has arrived.

The 18-year-old make-up artist, fashion designer and Instagram enthusiast made quite a splash by arriving in full drag to his prom last week.
The Powedersville, South Carolina student, who displays a variety of gender-fluid looks on his social media, arrived in full drag to prom, wearing a Victoria’s Secret corset-top and velvet skirt by House of CB.
As a fabulous accessory, he brought a boy as his date.

Bell’s peers seemed to approve: he won the title of Prom King with a whopping 49% of the vote. Unfortunately, parents of his fellow students didn’t quite understand Bell’s ensemble.
The angry parents took to the school’s Facebook page to voice their complaints, attacking the school and Bell for his gender-nonconforming attire.
Bell, for his part, insisted that the dress complied with the school’s dress code.

Faculty at Powdersville High had to temporarily disable the school’s Facebook page. The school then issued a statement in support of Bell’s Prom King win:
“This weekend Powdersville High School hosted its annual junior senior prom. Consistent with the school’s long standing tradition, the students nominated and elected a prom king and queen. This year the king and queen elected were Aston Irby and Adam Bell.”

Even better, Bell claims that his fellow students continued to support him. The openly-gay student says he often wears make-up and dresses to school, which is why his fashion choice didn’t shock his peers. He also received an outpouring of support on his own social media accounts.

More at:
https://www.queerty.com/parents-attack-prom-king-wearing-dress-peers-think-hes-fabulous-20180501

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Good for him.

I will admit that I'm a bit uncomfortable with this, but I recognize that the problem is me, not him. My only excuse is that I'm old, 69, and I grew up in a world of very clear gender distinctions. I am NOT arguing or suggesting we return to that world. On the contrary, I need to adjust, and I hope I have done reasonably well at that.

I also want to say that I'm in happy awe of the students at his school for supporting him.

Back in the early 90's, when I paid a visit to the secular independent school I wound up sending my sons to, I was a bit astonished to see a male student in a dress. It was very clear the faculty were totally comfortable with that, which was nice.

[safeinOhio]

2. Good for you

I'm your age and have adjusted to, I can't change others, only myself.

[ryan_cats]

3. That would take guts in California

That would take guts in California. In South Carolina, I cannot even imagine what it takes.

I am pretty sure there were a lot of males questioning their preferences at that prom.

[Initech]

4. That would take guts pretty much anywhere!

But I definitely say if you got it, flaunt it!

[Initech]

5. He should go on Drag Race, he could make it very far I think!

[LostOne4Ever]

6. It is good to see the students are more accepting than the parents

Gives one hope seeing the progress of the upcoming generations.

[vercetti2021]

7. I think he's beautiful

Inside and out.