By ORION BAKER/Multimedia Editor Assistant and HIMAANI RANKA/Staff Writer and ELIZABETH INION/Staff Writer
On Sept. 30, UT Tyler’s Asian Student Association hosted the first ever Performative Male Contest at the Amphitheater by WT Brookshire Hall.
It drew a lively crowd of students, who cheered on their peers. It embodied the stereotype of the “performative male,” a figure often associated with curated aesthetics and self‑aware irony. Participants leaned into this goofy role, by showcasing everything from thrifted clothing to vinyl records and feminist literature.
The contest showcased not only the humor behind the stereotype but also the creativity of the students. Each performance blended parody with personality, as contestants sipped matcha, quoted indie lyrics and struck poses that exaggerated the performative persona.
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AYEEE HOZIER SHIRT AND LAUFEYLAND FLAG