In the Minneapolis spirit of absurdist protest and whimsical humor, a weekend fundraiser supported mutual aid efforts while also criticizing Mayor Jacob Frey.
The “Performative Mayor Contest” raised $5,000 for rent relief in Minneapolis, according to organizers, with comedic performances by Frey lookalikes.
The community event drew hundreds of people in very Minnesotan weather — light snow in April — and a political climate focused on helping neighbors recover after federal immigration agents flooded the state.
Minneapolis comedian and event host Comrade Tripp said he’s critical of Frey’s time in office — not just during the ICE surge — and condemned his veto use. Frey has vetoed 22 actions in his last eight years of office, far more than the previous two mayors.
Tripp particularly took issue with Frey vetoing an eviction notice extension for residents unable to pay rent because of the federal immigration enforcement surge in recent months.
“The mayor is a performative person. He has a lot of words with no actions,” said Tripp, who hosted the event.
With the veto, Frey instead proposed $1 million in city funds be redirected toward rental assistance. Several local shelters and affordable housing landlords had also spoken against an eviction extension, with concerns it could ultimately harm residents.
Frey appeared to take the event in stride in a statement to MPR News on Friday.
“I’ve been saying this whole time that rental assistance is the way to tackle this problem. So if making fun of me raises more money for rental assistance, that’s a great outcome,” Frey wrote.
The Minneapolis mayor later reshared an organizer’s video promoting the event to his Instagram story with the caption: “Rental support is the right solution. And this is a cause worthy of a donation.”
Anne Lehman, a sex educator and social media manager at Smitten Kitten, organized the “Performative Mayor Contest.” The adult store became a community hub after the start of “Operation Metro Surge” in December and has fundraised to support neighbors for months.
Lehman said donations have dropped since the drawdown, though they still have a long list of families in need.
They took inspiration from drag shows and “performative male” contests trending on social media where men carry items like tote bags and feminist books to virtue signal to women. Lehman found the contest a creative opportunity to build community, and fundraise, after a tense few months.
“Whimsy is important to refill your cup,” Lehman said.
Despite the wet snowfall and temperatures in the 30s, a large crowd gathered at Bryant Square Park in Minneapolis for the contest, where several performers put forth their best impressions of Frey.
For comedian Pearl Rose, that entailed jean shorts, a slim-fit button-up and an ab shirt.
“There’s a few photos of him with his abs out, kind of flashing them, online. Which is totally fine,” said Rose. “Like I’m also shameless. It’s like, the most wholesome way you can really hate someone.”
Miles Chastain, 23, competed with a puppet of Frey in a suitcase. The artist said they appreciated the space to critique the mayor.
“He isn't doing a good job right now and I feel like an appropriate measure towards that is satire,” Chastain said.
Lehman said the “Performative Mayor Contest” is the start of many more fundraisers Smitten Kitten plans to host in upcoming months.
Lehman said people sometimes ask what they think Frey should do. They want to see politicians on the ground, finding solutions.
“Why are you asking the people that work at the dildo store what the government should be doing right now?” Lehman said. “But also, I won’t be mad if you take notes.”
