UPDATE: A unique contest in San Francisco has just concluded, determining the city’s most “performative male.” Held on August 25, 2023, at Alamo Square Park, the event attracted over 1,600 RSVPs, showcasing the growing fascination with male performativity in urban culture.
Attendees described a “performative male” as one who adopts feminine traits to charm women, often with a distinct style that includes matcha lattes and thrifted fashion. “A man that dresses for the female gaze, projecting feminine energy to get women,” attendees AJ and Mayliah explained. This trend has become a hot topic among San Francisco’s youth, with many present to witness the spectacle.
The contest featured a preliminary round led by an AI model designed to identify these performative traits. Contestants uploaded photos to a dedicated website, performative.lol, where the AI sifted through submissions to find the true posers. The idea was as innovative as it was quintessentially San Francisco—a blend of tech and social commentary.
The event was organized by a group of young women, including Alisa Wu and Kake Jin, who aimed to create a memorable experience before heading back to their studies. “It’s our gift to the city before we leave,” Wu stated, highlighting the event’s cultural significance.
While the crowd was too large to see the panel of judges, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Attendees sported trendy outfits, and the air was filled with the sounds of Charli XCX, amplifying the spirit of performativity. Many contestants showcased their creativity, with one donning an Anime-style maid costume, further blurring the lines of gender expression.
The contest included a humorous twist, as some contestants brought fishing lines with plush “Labubus” to “fish” for potential connections among the crowd. The judging panel, mimicking a popular video game format, rated contestants on their performance, adding a layer of entertainment to the competition.
After a day filled with laughter and creativity, James Bennett, a native of San Francisco and graduate of UC Berkeley, was crowned the winner. Sporting a signature look that included baggy jeans and a thrifted cardigan, Bennett captured the essence of the event. “It’s ecstatic and overwhelming,” he said, surrounded by fans eager for photos. His message was clear: “We shouldn’t villainize men enjoying feminine things.”
The event also tapped into current cultural discussions surrounding masculinity and femininity, making it both a lighthearted competition and a serious commentary on gender roles. As the crowd celebrated Bennett’s victory with music from Laufey, it was evident that the conversation around performative masculinity is only just beginning.
As this trend gains momentum, expect to see more contests like this emerging across the West Coast, following previous events in Seattle and Silverlake, Los Angeles. The fusion of technology, social awareness, and culture is pushing boundaries, and San Francisco is at the forefront of this evolving narrative.
Stay tuned for further developments on this intriguing topic, as the impact of such events continues to resonate across communities.
