As Caleb Brutus woke up, he knew today was special. He picked out an outfit he hoped would make him the most “performative male” of the competition. With his round glasses, button-down shirt, and tote bag in hand, he grabbed a matcha latte from Hanks. Little did he know, he would take home the title that evening.
“I threw everything together this morning,” he said. “The fun part is dressing up and just being as funny as possible.”
Around 4 p.m., the buzz of students filled the air, blending with the upbeat tune “Sophia” by Clairo. At Cecil B. Moore Plaza, a group of over 50 people gathered, drawn by colorful outfits, quirky accessories, and of course, the scent of matcha.
Contestants showcased their unique styles. Some held guitars, while others clutched Jane Austen novels. One participant even flashed a sign that read, “Taking a vow of silence because of period cramps.” This was not just a contest, but an entertaining showcase of creativity.
The “Performative Male Competition” was the brainchild of Calista Aguinaldo and Abdel Hassouna. Initially a joke, it emerged from the “performative male” trend that has taken social media by storm. Other colleges like the University of Florida and Cornell have hosted similar events. Aguinaldo and Hassouna decided to turn the idea into a real event after their Instagram post, @temple.luvs.performative.males, went viral, amassing over 1,000 likes in just a week.
Funds raised from the event went to Women Against Abuse, a nonprofit championing survivors of domestic violence. With more than 25 contestants, many donned a mix of button-downs, baggy jeans, and tote bags, often displaying vinyl records from artists like Mitski and Faye Webster.
“A performative male takes things typically associated with women and queer people and makes them part of their look,” said Gabby Aikoo, a theatre major. “But it’s just a style for them, not a lifestyle. If you’re interested in something, own it.”
As the evening unfolded, contestants faced trivia questions like “Who was the first lady of the United States?” Responses varied, eliciting cheers and boos. One contestant won the crowd’s hearts by saying he’d love to have dinner with Clairo, leading to loud applause.
Brutus shared, “After the first question, I talked about real-world issues. People are here for a meaningful cause.”
The event not only provided entertainment but also raised awareness. Free tampons were available for attendees, and the South Asian Society of Scientists and Engineers sold matcha, donating part of the profits to the charity. While the competition maintained a lighthearted vibe, it sparked discussions about important topics like domestic violence.
Students reflected on the implications of the performative male trend. Marjorie Kalule, a junior acting major, noted, “There’s nothing wrong with liking matcha or Clairo. We should support men embracing interests that seem feminine. It’s concerning when they do it without understanding or supporting those values.”
For Brutus, the competition was more than just a performance. It fostered a sense of community and meaningful conversation on campus. Aguinaldo hopes this trend will educate more people about women’s experiences and encourage genuine interactions with female authors and media.
Overall, the performative male contest served as a vibrant platform for entertainment, awareness, and community bonding, making a positive impact beyond the laughs.
For more on the intersection of gender and social trends, check out the ongoing discussions on platforms like The Atlantic and NPR.