Inspirational Lincolnshire teenager plans to wear dress for first time at prom

An inspirational teenager from Lincolnshire is preparing to wear a dress for the first time at their prom which will mark the "final moment in their journey." Kadey Hall, 16, from Saxilby, said that wearing a dress will mean they will be able to fully express their "authentic" self at their prom on Wednesday, June 29 at Lincoln Castle Academy.

Kadey has experimented with clothes from a young age and was "in awe" watching their mum get ready. Kadey enjoys doing drag and makeup and hopes that wearing a dress to prom will encourage others who are in a similar position.

Kadey said: "I think that it's going to be an exciting time for me and the final moment in the journey I've been going through. I'm so excited to share it with people my age and people who are older and might need help understanding their children more."

Kadey added: "I think, at the minute, I'm feeling a bit nervous. I've never done anything like this or been out in a dress. I've been out in makeup and wigs but never been out to the whole school like this but it is something that needs to be done.

"When I told my mum I wanted to wear the dress, I was apprehensive in the back of my mind. But as soon as I had the dress on I thought I was doing the right thing. I don't think I've ever felt prettier in an outfit."

Kadey lives with their mum, Claire Hopkins, 42 and step-dad Andrew in Saxilby with two of their siblings. Ms Hopkins said that Kadey has always been into hair, makeup and clothes and thinks Kadey will be famous one day.

She said: "I'm very proud of Kadey who has been through a lot and children are not kind sometimes. I think Kadey is very brave. The first time Kadey came downstairs in a little tutu they were two and answered the door to one of my friends. We've always said that Kadey will be famous in some sort of way.

"Kadey could plait hair unbelievably and could do everyone’s makeup. Kadey takes after me, we're quite loud and like to sing. Kadey's sister is the opposite and is an engineer who doesn't like the limelight."

Kadey's dream after leaving school is to study performing arts at college and then go on to perform on the West End. Kadey said: "It wasn't until I had unkind behaviour towards me by a lot of people that I said to myself there was no point getting everyone to like me.

"The friends I have now have been 100 per cent supportive and haven't once tried to tell me it isn't a good idea. When I told them I was going to wear a dress they said they expected it anyway."

Ms Hopkins said: "From my point of view, I've always been scared about Kadey getting called names. Parents and children can be cruel. There are times I've said don’t wear that because of what other people would think.

"As the years have gone on if Kadey has the balls to do it why should I be sat there thinking Kadey can’t cope with it." Kadey's advice to people in a similar situation would be: "Just go for it. The best way to live your life is for you.

"Your life is no one else's and if you’re holding yourself back you should make the most of every moment and be authentic for who you are. I know people out there who are struggling which is why I thought it was important to do this interview."

Kadey's dad, Lee Hall, said that Kadey is "their own person" and that he supports Kadey in whatever they want to do. A spokesperson from Harbour Learning Trust, which runs Lincoln Castle Academy, said: "We are looking forward to celebrating Year 11’s achievements as a group and as individuals in their own right.

"While the Prom dress code is formal, it is up to them how they wish to celebrate and express how they feel at this important time in their lives. We value each of them and respect their wishes."

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