London's first 'performative butch' contest was a hot, sweaty night of lesbian joy

"If you were anywhere near Peckham on Saturday evening then you might have noticed there were approximately 3.5 dykes for every square foot, with carabiners jingling against their jorts, tight white vests showing off biceps and tattered - well-loved - copies of Stone Butch Blues carried in their hands (or oversized pockets). At the Old Nunshead on Nunshead Green, London's first ever 'performative butch ' contest was taking place and the venue was, quite literally, filled to the rafters with butches and butch-admirers."

"More than 300 queer folks crowded into the pub, filling the entire floor, all the seats and the outdoor space, as well as standing on top of booths, propping up on the bar and sticking their heads through gaps in the windows to get a good look at those performing. That many lesbians squashed together in one place was like one of my very good dreams, tbh."

"Run by Booters Butch Bar - which organises dyke events for butches and butch lovers - the competition was inspired by the viral 'performative masc' contests happening state-side, which in themselves are a lesbian spin on the 'performative male' tournaments that have been recently held in cities and on university campuses across the US and wider world. The events are playful and tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at butch and masc stereotypes in a loving way."

A performative butch contest took place at the Old Nunshead on Nunshead Green in Peckham, drawing more than 300 queer attendees. The venue was packed indoors and outdoors, with people standing on booths, leaning on the bar and peering through windows to watch performers. Participants wore carabiners, jorts, tight white vests and carried copies of Stone Butch Blues. The event was organised by Booters Butch Bar and was inspired by viral 'performative masc' contests from the US and beyond. The contests playfully parody butch and masc stereotypes through exaggerated displays of masculinity like sports bras, push-ups and oversized accessories.

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