This past weekend, Wicker Park transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural commentary, as it hosted an unexpected event: a ‘Performative Male Contest.’
The neighborhood’s beloved green space was filled with an array of contestants and onlookers captivated by this offbeat competition that quickly gained viral traction through social media platforms like X and TikTok.
Roughly 80 contestants showcased their attempts to embody the ‘performative male’ stereotype—men who adopt traditionally feminine interests in order to create an appealing yet inauthentic aesthetic.
The inspiration for this quirky contest came from Calvin Thai, who co-runs a matcha pop-up called homebody alongside his girlfriend, Katie Richcreek.
After observing similar competitions in Seattle’s Capital Hill neighborhood, Thai decided to launch the contest with little preparation, crafting a hastily made flyer and promoting it online without securing any permits.
“I thought, performative males are really popular right now. So I was like, what’s a better marketing thing?” Thai explained, expressing surprise at the level of interest the event garnered.
The contest echoed a wider trend in urban areas, where quirky lookalike competitions have been on the rise in recent months.
While this event was not without its chaotic elements, it featured a lineup of judges tasked with evaluating contestants’ skills and authenticity.
The judging panel comprised Katherine Guo, Ally Muszynski, Katie Richcreek, and Brittany Galvin, all of whom sat at a folding table adorned with a homebody banner.
Contestants were judged across multiple rounds, including a runway walk and a question-and-answer session, using a swipe left or right style reminiscent of popular dating shows found on platforms like YouTube.
Among the traits associated with the performative male stereotype were an affinity for matcha, thrifted clothing, and an inclination to feign interest in artsy pursuits to attract attention.
As contestants navigated the challenges, Thai humorously admonished those who dared to purchase matcha from other coffee shops, reinforcing the event’s whimsical spirit.
The competition culminated in lively interactions, with some contestants attempting to court the judges with flowers or books, each striving earnestly to appeal to the female gaze.
Noah Palozzi, a participant, shared how a friend nominated him for the contest, revealing his motivation to give back to the women in his life.
Displaying a copy of ‘Bad Feminist’ by Roxane Gay, he stated, “It’s actually one of the most life changing books that I’ve read.”
Palozzi noted that his newfound understanding of women’s struggles stemmed from his engagement with feminist literature.
One standout contestant, Carter Wood, delivered a poignant final pitch regarding women’s rights, calling attention to the repercussions of the recent overturning of Roe V. Wade.
His passionate plea resonated with many in the crowd as he recounted the importance of supporting women’s rights causes and appreciating the women in his life.
Despite the well-articulated pitches and humorous antics of the male competitors, the contest’s top honors did not end up going to a man.
Instead, Meaghan Morris took center stage as she performed in drag under the persona of Dan Druff, a caricature representing unsavory male stereotypes.
Morris embraced the character with exuberance, captivating the audience with quips like, “I’m giving head and shoulders, baby! I believe in being the man that you want to see in the world.”
The crowd erupted in applause as Morris pulled a small record player and a tote bag full of books from the depths of her drag ensemble.
Post-competition interviews revealed insights into Morris’s preparation for the performance.
In a candid moment, she shared that she had never tried matcha prior to the contest but had sampled it as part of her character development for Dan Druff.
“I tried matcha for the first time to really get into the character,” she admitted, humorously urging the crowd not to expose her ‘fraud.’
Ultimately, the ‘Performative Male Contest’ in Wicker Park served not only as entertainment but also as a satirical critique of gender norms and societal expectations, encapsulating the fun and creativity that defines the neighborhood.
image source from：blockclubchicago
