San Francisco’s ‘Performative Male’ Contest Draws Huge Crowd, AI Involved
UPDATE: Thousands gathered in San Francisco’s Alamo Square Park on August 18, 2023, for a unique contest that explored the concept of the “performative male.” The event, which attracted over 1,600 RSVPs, featured a panel of women and a custom-built AI model to identify and judge participants embodying this trendy archetype.
Attendees described a “performative male” as one who adopts feminine traits to attract women, often sporting thrifted fashion, sipping matcha, and flaunting a collection of vinyl records. “A man that dresses for the female gaze, projecting feminine energy to get women,” said attendees AJ and Mayliah, highlighting the phenomenon’s cultural relevance in the Bay Area.
“This is our gift to the city before we leave,” stated Alisa Wu, one of the event’s organizers and a University of Waterloo student. The contest featured AI technology that analyzed contestant submissions on the platform performative.lol, targeting typical traits associated with the performative male, such as vintage clothing and feminist literature.
While the park was packed with stylish spectators and contestants, the atmosphere resembled a vibrant festival with music from artists like Charli XCX and Laufey echoing through the crowd. The contest promised free matcha, and while it fell short on that front, every participant received gift cards from the local matcha shop, Kiss of Matcha.
Contestants showcased a range of interpretations of male performativity, from classic indie fashion to outrageous Anime-style costumes. One participant, James Bennett, emerged victorious, sporting baggy jeans, a thrifted cardigan, and a distinctive Kangol hat. Bennett, a UC Berkeley graduate, expressed excitement about his win, stating, “It’s ecstatic and overwhelming,” while advocating for the enjoyment of feminine interests among men.
The event served as a cultural commentary on gender expression and societal expectations. Contestants engaged in playful banter, even using fishing lines with Labubus attached to “catch” potential suitors from the crowd. The energy was palpable, with slogans like “Future is Female” and “I hate periods” adorning shirts, emphasizing the event’s lighthearted yet impactful nature.
The rise of such contests reflects a growing trend on the West Coast, with similar events previously held in Seattle and Silverlake, Los Angeles. As the “performative male” phenomenon continues to capture attention, San Francisco remains at the forefront of this cultural movement, blending humor, identity, and social commentary in a single vibrant event.
Stay tuned for more updates on this trending topic and the evolving conversation surrounding gender expression in contemporary society.
