Feminist literature-carrying, labubu-wearing, matcha-drinking contestants gathered at Library Mall Friday, with the wired earbud-clad participants competing for the title of “most performative male.” About one hundred students huddled on the steps of the Memorial Library to watch the competition, and some were even lucky enough to catch free menstrual products thrown into the crowd.
The archetype of the performative male, popularized on social media, pokes fun at men who change their hobbies or style to impress women. Matcha, totebags, feminist literature, carabiners and physical media from artists like Clairo are often associated with the performative male.
The event was organized by freshmen Adrea Matulle and Beri Barton. The duo was inspired by other performative male contests across the country. “We were bored, I [had] fun with some graphics and posted it on YikYak,” Matulle said. Her post received 951 upvotes.
For Nathan Johnson, a contestant, his performance was not performative. “This is not an act. This is who I am,” he said. While trying to garner votes, Johnson showcased his electric guitar, a Fleetwood Mac “Rumors” vinyl and his tote bag.
Quinn Womer, another contestant, was deemed a finalist for his performance — one which started with a tote bag tour and ended with tampons being flung into the crowd. “I had all the building blocks,” he said. “I was able to put my entire self into this.”
Participants voted for the top three by cheering and clapping for their picks. The final three were put to a vote, again off of crowd loudness, and after all the matchas had been drunk freshman Khabbab Gassikia emerged victorious.
Gassikia told the majority female crowd that he knew they would vote for the best contestant. “And guess what, they did. They voted for me,” said Gassikia, adding that he always trusted women.
Following his victory speech, Gassikia could be seen walking down Library Mall holding a sign saying "performative men wanted!”
Students online did not waste time discussing the event and sharing photos and videos on the app Yik Yak, where the event was first publicized. The “Well Red” Bucky statue in Alumni Park was given a shout out as one user called it, “the true winner of the performative male contest.”
After all of the excitement of Friday’s contest, users are looking ahead, discussing possible ideas for future contests. “Is there going to be a performative masc lesbian contest?” one user asked. Another user commented, “Guys can we please do more of these contests like the performative male one!! It’s so fun to have community.”
Will contests like this grace University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus yet again? Only time and YikYak will tell.
