In the evolving landscape of political activism, a fresh and vibrant initiative has emerged: Hotties for Harris. This movement originated from a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and has since grown into a unique platform aimed at making politics enjoyable and engaging, particularly for younger generations. Speaking to What’s Trending, Liz Plank, one of the co-founders of Hotties for Harris, explained the inception of this movement and its broader goals.
“Hotties for Harris came about during one of the first Kamala Harris rallies,” Liz recounted. “Megan Thee Stallion appeared with a sign that read ‘Hotties for Harris,’ and in that moment, a group of us activists—including Deja Fox and FEMINIST’s Kyla Polenko—discussed how we could contribute to the Democratic National Convention (DNC). We decided to throw a Hotties for Harris party, and Simon Isaacs at TaskForce (the team behind the Obama Hope campaign) envisioned a fun activation that would stand out amid the various identity groups being represented.”
The initial concept quickly gained traction, with Plank noting that the event “went viral beyond our expectations.” Thousands attended the party, creating a waitlist that underscored the excitement surrounding the initiative. “We realized we had tapped into something special, and that fueled our desire to continue organizing more events and activations,” she said.
A Playful Approach to Serious Issues
At the heart of Hotties for Harris is a mission to inject joy into politics. Plank explained, “There’s a tendency within progressive spaces to take everything too seriously. While the stakes are high, especially in this election, we believe politics should also be fun.” She highlighted how rallies, particularly those of the opposing side, often have a festive atmosphere. “If you go to a Trump rally, it’s wild, but it’s also fun. We wanted to create a positive environment for people who align with progressive values.”
Through their events, Hotties for Harris aims to counteract what Plank describes as an “anti-fun agenda” pushed by some conservative policies. “This is not just about anti-abortion stances,” she stated. “It’s about an anti-fun agenda that seeks to limit people’s freedoms, from access to contraception to the enjoyment of casual relationships.” The initiative strives to present a more uplifting vision of what democracy can offer.
Engaging the Younger Generation
A significant focus for Hotties for Harris is energizing younger voters, particularly Generation Z. “We wanted to create a space where young people could express their excitement and engage with the political process,” Plank said. The events have become a social phenomenon, with videos showcasing the fun atmosphere often going viral. “One video suggested that ‘ladies, your future husband is at a Hotties for Harris party,’ underscoring that men who support progressive causes are attractive,” she noted.
Liz emphasized the importance of this messaging, particularly given the societal stereotypes that discourage men from supporting feminist candidates. “There’s a strong narrative from the right suggesting that men who advocate for women’s rights are less masculine,” she said. “We wanted to challenge that perception and show that being supportive and progressive is inherently attractive.”
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A Memorable Party Experience
So, what does a Hotties for Harris event look like? According to Plank, it is a carefully crafted experience filled with joy and creativity. “Our parties are immersive. We have DJs, dancing, and playful decor, like Dorito memes and breakdancers,” she explained. They also feature installations that engage attendees, such as a wall highlighting bizarre quotes from conservative figures and a photo-friendly setup that invites social media sharing.
The events are not just about fun; they also include informative elements, such as Plan B dispensers and pro-choice mini-golf, encouraging discussions about important issues in a relaxed setting. “We even had a ‘JD Vance couch’ where people could take pictures, highlighting the absurdity of certain conservative views,” Liz added.
Looking Ahead: Swing State Engagement
As the election approaches, Hotties for Harris is gearing up for more activations, particularly in swing states. “We’re going to be focusing on engaging male voters, who are crucial in this election,” Liz shared. The initiative plans to employ innovative methods like “flirt canvassing,” which involves engaging voters in casual, social settings like bars and tailgates.
With just weeks to go before the election, Liz emphasized the urgency of voter engagement. “This election is tight, and every conversation matters,” she asserted. “Our goal is to communicate that voting for progressive candidates ultimately means a safer, more equitable world for everyone, particularly women.”
