In a dazzling display of courage, glitter, and unapologetic authenticity, 16-year-old Alfie Smith known on stage as ESME Doll attended his high school prom in full Barbie-inspired drag, receiving overwhelming support from students, teachers, and even icons of the drag world.Strutting into the Orchard School Bristol prom in towering heels, flawless makeup, and a bubblegum-pink dream dress, ESME Doll proved that queer joy and self-expression have a place in every school hallway and dance floor. This reaction caused my nerves to fully go and confirmed to me that I went in drag for me and because I love this side of myself, Alfie told PinkNews, recalling how the crowd greeted him with cheers and applause the moment he stepped out of the car.ESME DOLL. Photo: @louisviellon on InstagramESME Doll isnt just turning headsshes turning tradition on its head.A Real-Life JamieAlfies journey into drag was sparked when he watched Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, the 2011 BBC documentary that inspired the hit West End musical Everybodys Talking About Jamie. Just like Jamie Campbell, Alfie dreamed of living authentically and saw prom as the perfect moment to celebrate that dream in front of his peers.I was around eight years old when I first saw the documentary, he said. That story changed me. It gave me a vision of what life could be like if I embraced who I really am.Fittingly, Jamie Campbell himself took notice of ESME Dolls prom look, commenting on Instagram: Wow darling what a vision!With Love, from ESMEThe Barbie fantasy that ESME Doll brought to life wasnt created overnight. Alfie collaborated closely with his parents to design the look, sketching out the perfect prom dress and selecting just the right wig to complete his transformation. ESME Doll is probably the biggest contributing factor to who I am today, he said. She helped me figure out my sexuality, my confidence, and everything that makes you an individual.ESME DOLL. Photo: @louisviellon on InstagramAnd that journey began earlier than many might expect. Alfie first started experimenting with drag while still in primary school, crafting characters and looks long before he had a stage name. Drag has helped me massively, and I cannot thank the art form enough.Now, Alfie dreams of performing internationally, spreading the message that drag isnt just makeup and costumes its a powerful form of self-empowerment.A School That Showed UpPerhaps whats most inspiring about Alfies story is the overwhelming support he receivednot just from peers, but from his school. Orchard School Bristol stood behind him every step of the way. I was told I was inspiring, he said. Teachers and students offered endless support.ESME DOLL. Photo: @louisviellon on InstagramOne English teacher, in particular, went above and beyondattending one of his drag performances and proudly hanging a poster for the show in her classroom. She helped me speak openly about LGBTQ+ issues, Alfie said. That kind of support means everything to someone like me.Alfies experience is a bold and beautiful example of what inclusive education can look like where queer students dont just survive, they thrive.Advice for Schools and the WorldWhen asked what schools can do to better support LGBTQ+ students, Alfie didnt hesitate: Call out homophobic and transphobic abuse, he said. Create space where queer students feel seen, heard, and safe.He also emphasized the need for adults to step up and be visible allies, especially during a time when trans rights are under political and social attack. These times are so hard for trans people, so please if there are trans kids or staff at your school look out for them. Be that trusted adult who will fight for them.Its a powerful reminder that while drag is about performance, its also about protest, community, and love.ESME DOLL. Photo: @louisviellon on InstagramWere in 2025Live Out Loud!For Alfie, attending prom as ESME Doll wasnt just a personal milestone. It was a statement. Even if I only inspired one person that night, that is enough for me, he said. Your authenticity might be the light someone else needs to see.As for whats next, Alfie plans to continue performing, speaking out for LGBTQ+ youth, and challenging outdated norms. And his message for other queer teens? You being out and proud, living your authentic life, will inspire others to do the same! Were in 2025we need to help make that change. We need to live in pride, confidence, and empowerment, storm through the hate, and rise above.His words echo louder than ever in todays cultural climate. With drag bans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation making headlines across the globe, stories like Alfies shine like sequins in the dark offering hope, visibility, and joy.Source