A 16-year-old U.K. high school student was met with utter glee from his teachers and classmates when he showed up to prom in full drag, dazzling in a hot pink Barbie-inspired dress, a beehive blonde wig, and ornate pink smokey eyes.Alfie Smith considers himself one of the youngest drag queens in the U.K. He performs under the name ESME Doll, a persona he told Pink News is probably the biggest contributing factor to who I am today. Related This Pride Parade in an IKEA surprised shoppers & went viral YAAAAASSSSSS, responded Drag Race judge Michelle Visage. She helped me figure out my sexuality, my confidence, and everything that makes you an individual, he said. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Smith was nervous as he headed to Orchard School Bristols prom in his sparkling gown, but said when he got there, he was greeted with cheers, screams, and the biggest round of applause, a moment that he said instantly alleviated his anxiety. It confirmed to me that I went in drag for me and because I love this side of myself, he said. Smiths decision to share this part of himself at school was inspired by the musical Everybodys Talking About Jamie, the story of real-life teen drag queen Jamie Campbell. Smith has been a fan of Campbell since he was eight years old, when he first watched the documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@esmedoll.dq)Smith hopes he can be that role model for someone else. Even if I only inspired one person that night, that is enough for me, he said. Were in 2025, he added. We need to help make that change. We need to live in pride, confidence, and empowerment, storm through the hate, and rise above.He is lucky to have so much support from those around him, including his parents, who helped him design his prom look. His teachers and peers have also given him endless support, he said. One English teacher went above and beyond by attending one of his drag shows and hanging up the promotional poster in the classroom. Smith posted photos of the iconic look on Instagram and gushed about the support he received from friends, family, and teachers. I know this experience of school is not shared between everyone, he wrote, but all I ask is for you to be your authentic self always and stay true to yourself cause you can make your own path and take lives by its balls and STRUT! @esmedoll.dq SALUTE SALUTE #drag #dragqueen #performance original sound ESME DOLL | Bristol, UK Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.