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Being Tall And A Woman Does NOT Make Me A Tranny
It might be the 21st century, but negative male and female perceptions of tall women are still stuck in in the Dark Ages...
I’ve been six feet tall since I was seventeen, which wasn’t a real revelation because en masse my family resembles a volleyball team, and although it took a while to get used to, it’s often other people who have difficulty with my stature. School, for example, was particularly challenging because it wasn’t just a case of negotiating and ignoring omnipresent salutations such as Big Bird, Giraffe, Empire State Building and (a personal favourite) A C**t On Stilts, from aggrieved sections of the short-arsed fraternity. It was also the attitudes of some teachers whose behaviour was more symptomatic of a collective of undisclosed personality disorders than fully-fledged adults.
A case in point was my PE teacher who fulfilled the stereotype of a sadistic, vicious cow with aplomb and made my life a misery because I didn’t fulfill her presumptions of athleticism. In addition, when targeted by the inadequate, the nasty and in some cases the certifiable, any retaliation on my part resulted in pick-on-your-own-size proclamations from teachers. But when I did take my concerns to said teachers, stop telling tales was their rallying cry. A girl just couldn’t win, especially a reserved one, and although being singled out did hurt, I soon learned to develop a skin as thick as a rhino’s.
Still full of idealism, though some would say naivety, I also learned that it wasn’t only my peers and certain authority figures I had to deal with but, to my chagrin, men. Groups of them (although some women weren’t slow on the uptake either). Initially I found it incredibly bewildering to be sniggered at, pointed at and just plain insulted by doing something as innocuous as walking down the street and minding my own business. It was incredibly surreal to witness supposedly mature human beings with their inadequacies so blatantly exposed, picking on my lanky younger self as though my very existence was in some way an affront to their fragile sense of masculinity. Even to this day, the madness continues.
The dog-eat-dog arena of dating was particularly troublesome too. I didn’t have a template or a list of cast iron prerequisites, I just went with the flow; but any remaining sense of idealism unraveled at a furious pace when Jake asked me out and simultaneously announced – more than a few times- that although I was five inches taller than him, it didn’t matter.
Although being singled out did hurt, I soon learned to develop a skin as thick as a rhino’s.
As we continued to casually date and his low-level preoccupation with our height disparity began to manifest itself as unsophisticated barbs disguised as jolly japes, Jake introduced me to some of his friends whose idea of a good night included a merciless evisceration of his stature, under the auspices of ‘banter’ (although I fear the stacked heels of his cowboy boots may have precipitated it). The following day, a supremely agitated Jake sought retribution by flying into a furious bantam cock tirade, armed with a litany of my misdemeanours including how my manly freakishness made him feel small.
Nonetheless, and to my shame, the soothing balm of his subsequent apology did little to suppress any latent passive aggressive tendencies, as I ditched the flats and embraced my inner drag queen proclivities by donning four-inch slingbacks for the remainder of our transient association.
It does seem though, that shorter women have all the fun. They are less susceptible to certain illnesses, are perceived to be more feminine and make better partners because not only do they make men feel taller, more masculine and dominant but they are deemed to be more fertile. In addition, as though we didn’t have enough irritations such as airline seats, cars and roguish door frames to contend with, some studies have suggested that the features of tall women are less symmetrical and therefore less attractive than average (although somebody has neglected to tell Iman).
So, with such insurmountable odds stacked against us and therefore banished to the scrapheap of womanhood, I am resigned to sitting at home, marinating in my own ineptitude, stuffing my face with obscene quantities of black forest gateau and pickled onion monster munch, accompanied by my ever-expanding big fat tub of lard arse, weeping at repeats of The Bachelor, whilst reminiscing over what could have been if only my inside leg measurement wasn’t 36 inches long.
Some studies have suggested that the features of tall women are less symmetrical and therefore less attractive than average
Idiocy aside, despite my best intentions and a well-honed ability to tune out, I’m still subjected to the odd bushwhacking, exemplified by the following unsolicited approach in Tesco Metro by a gent of average height, considerable girth, yet resplendent in his Man at C&A double-denim ensemble.
Arse: (Smirking as he scans me very slowly from my Dunlop green-flash to my bushy head) How tall are you?
Me: Six feet.
Arse: (Regarding me as though I have daylight between my ears) You can’t be, I’m six-two.
Me: (Laughing) OK…
Arse: (Smirk dissipates) No, seriously. I am. I mean, What are you, six-five? How old are you anyway? Are you sure you’re not still growing?
Me: (Ignoring him to count the cakes in my basket)
Arse: I’m not being funny, but my sister’s gorgeous; she’s slimmer and shorter than you and she finds it really difficult to get a boyfriend. Aren’t you lonely?
Me: (Scanning him from his gut to the crop rotation on his head) You’re quite fat aren’t you? What are you? Thirty stones? It must be really hard…
Arse: (Shooting daggers, before beating a hasty retreat) No need to be aggressive love, I was just trying to make conversation, that’s all.
To paraphrase the late, great, Ms Tammy Wynette, sometimes it really is hard to be a tall woman.
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COMMENTS
Well written piece Dawn. I can't believe the guy at Tesco, what a c*nt. Maybe that is why I'd never trust a guy in double denim. Try to keep your chin up though, we're only given one body so you may as well love and cherish it the best you can.
Thank you for this article, I'm 5ft11 myself and guys can be such pricks at times even the tall ones but there are some good ones out there... or so I've heard.
Good stuff
My wife's nice and tall and I love her for it. My eldest daughter is 12 and she's nearly as tall as she is. Being tall is miles better than being a short arse. Those stubby little runts are just jealous. The main downside is back trouble, I'm 6ft 3, which isn't especially tall for a man these days, but I've suffered from back pain on and off since I was 15. Physio and stretching helps a lot.
Enlightening. I love tall women (I'm 5'10") and meet lots of really tall beautiful east European women through work. Pity most are miserable as hell (not just the tall ones). There are loads of guys like me out there that are very attracted to women of your stature.
As a 6ft 7" bloke, I can only sympathise. I know the pain of short-arsed wankers monopolising your day with inane questions about your height, usually followed with a cheery "what's the weather like up there, you lanky twat?"
Andy - just adopt the tactic i use, and refer to anyone shorter than you as a hobbit or 'frodo'. You gotta come out swinging first, they don't like it up 'em.
I'm a tall woman myself, so I appreciate the amount of flack you've gotten. However, I think your use of "tranny" in this piece is highly offensive. It's a slang term a large percentage of trans women consider to be a hate term. Moreover, it's kind of rude that, when you want yourself treated with respect, you use another oppressed group as some kind of "ultimate ugly/insult." Yes, I agree it's nasty (and misogynistic) when someone's womanhood is diminished by calling them a "tranny" but can you understand you do the same thing when you call trans people that word?
Right on Dawn! I'm 6'3 and my last gf was a tad under 6ft. She often complained of the same general 'banter' thrown at her. Oh well there loss, hot women are hot and only intimidate those who arnt worth the effort!
I love tall trannies, give me a call X
Good breeding does bring out the green eyes it's true. F*ck 'em all I say as I saunter my 6 ft 4, 'legs up to their eyeballs, self past their narrowed eyes. If our mere existance makes them feel so teeny tiny, I have no time for them in my day and my pitty for them is far greater than theirs can ever be for us ;-) There is a wealth of beautiful, intelligent and open minded people out there who think you are stunning and watch you pass with their jaws slack in humble respect. Just keep your shoulders back and be proud. you rock <3
"Being Tall And A Woman Does NOT Make Me A Tranny" - you say that like it's a bad thing! It's the men you meet and their inadequacies, if you get some short arse giving you hassle just point out you can see his bald spot from up there, that'll shut most up!
Well put ginasf! Yes, I think you might want to rethink the use of "tranny" in the article. Its a nasty word and a slur and sadly ironic in its placement here. If you want to be respected please respect others. Theres no need to perpetuate the nasty "tranny" stereotype and diminish the femininity of trans* women.
Double denim haha. Canadian tuxedo
Haha I loved your reply to the shop assistant I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to say that. Also love the fast you wear the dunlop green flash, I have a pair of the dunlop pink flash and I think they are awesome.
I'm 6'2" and could have written this article myself, I've had all of those things said to me, including a man telling me I must be nearly 7ft tall as he was 6'5" and I was taller than him... Another time I was in a shop looking through the sales rack in hopes of finding a long t-shirt or similar when I heard a voice ask "where is the woman's department?" another voice said "this is the woman's department" the first voice asked "why is that man in here then?" I looked up, couldn't see any men, turned around and found two short women looking at me. I turned right round and puffed out my 40DDs and walked off.
Most women in the world are below 5'7"! models arent known for beauty! they look like 7 foot tall teenage boys.Look up marilyn monroe,vida guerra,kim kardashain,shakira,Marika fruscio,mulher melao,mayra veronica,coco austin,Sarah lime,Monica santiago,Arab,latina,italian,armenian,etc women! all these women are not tall I listed either!! actually, shorter women have more estrogen which explains curves!
Tall, short, no boobs, small penis, birth mark, bow legs, big ears, weird nose, ginger hair. You are going to have one of them and it's going to be the first thing rude people use to hurt you. Come to terms with it and they have nothing on you.
^ What a great attitude to have, I've grown up a shy, socially awkward, vain person and it's because I've always cared SO much about other peoples opinions of me, if I could tell my 12 year old self that then I might be a very different person! Good article, and awesome comeback to the guy in tescos :)
I'm a 6' woman in my 30's and it took me years to be comfortable with my height. School was a nightmare. Fact is you can't disguise it so just be confident in your skin and focus on the positives. It's cheesy but if you love yourself, other people will too. Why be average? Stand out from the crowd and be happy.
Another pro femme piece, using an anti man/gay/TS/TV anecdote. You deserve disrespect, as you disrespect others. STFU
k8 is a twat. The best girlfriend I ever had was 5'11. Be yourself and enjoy life, it's all you'll get.
To the moderators: Was there really much point in publishing K8's comments they really have added nothing of any worth to this article going as far as to stand-out from the crowd but facing the wrong way - they (and I presume he judging from his comment) has made quit a strong statement but has then failed to provide any evidence / justification for his slurs.
Ok here it comes from the 5'6 guy. Dawn, I can understand your plight but I can't say I totally sympathize with you. Yeah you are right in a sense that some tall women have it rough in this world. I won't deny that. I've seen it. Short guys have it worse my dear, way worse. There's always men shorter than you and taller than you who appreciate your height and will love you for it. The majority of women in the western world have no use for short guys, except a select rare few who don't see height when choosing a man. Short guys deal with more wrongfully accepted prejudices in this world than anything a tall woman will ever have to deal with. Society continually paints this obstuse picture that a man must be near 6'0 or taller to be considered a man worthy of his title. You on the other hand will never, ever have to worry about being called a shrimp, runt, little kid, little boy, pipsqueak, shorty, pigmy, half-man, man-child, or peewee. Short men are viewed by many women as mistakes, disease-ridden, genetic anomalies that should be eradicated from the earth altogether. I can guarantee that you'll find more hate for short men on the web than tall women. It's not even remotely a comparison. The life of a short man is often fraught with the negativity of the short-man-syndrome attachment too. All because we choose to strive for the same excellence in life that tall men seek. The negativity against short men is very real anytime we show a hint of achievement or success. The world can't deal with it so they hide the embarrassment by shaming the short guy with nonsense theories of inferiority. SSM/Napoleon Syndrome is a false, ignorant stigmatization having no scientific merit whatsoever. Lots of women both short and tall refuse to be associted with short guys much less date them in the first place. You tall women carry this fear of being called a mom, sister, aunty or babysitter when holding hands with a shorter guy. Your femininity is paramount on being with a taller guy by virtue of society's stupid height rules. So think about it from my perspective. You don't have it as hard as you think. Certainly not when you compare your argument to what short guys endure constantly. Sorry if I sound rough but I speak the truth and I know I can speak for many height challenged men.
This idea being put around that short women have more oestrogen is malicious nonsense.All girls, tall or short, have a surge of oestrogen when they reach puberty which stops their long bones growing so they don't grow more than a couple of inches at most after that.I hit puberty at 13 by which time I was already 5ft 9 and am now 5ft 11 by way of example.
Hi there, I just wanted to provide my experience as a tall girl. Well I'm 18 turning 19 and I've been 5"10 since I was about 14/15ish. I must say that, personally speaking, my experience of being tall has been rather great.I am thin, not skin on bone skinny though, with proprtional curves and boobs, I never feel ashamed of of my height. Well, there were times when I wouldn't mind being shorter, but it quickly changed when I constantly kept being complimented on my height and body. Guys would stare and say, wow you're obviously a model right? Or a stranger could just randomly say you are so nice and tall! Or someone would observe me for a while then eventually say, why don't you model, you're gorgeous! So many friends wish they had my height and constantly tell me how lucky I am to have such a height without heels. And even though at 1st I'd be thinking, psht yeah right if only you knew how it felt, yet smiling politely say thank you that's really kind of you, after a while I came to the realisation that the only person who made my being tall awkward for me was myself. I mean I'd feel so uneasy around guys and just painly out of place simply because they were shorter then me, than I began realising that even shorter guys (like 5'5ish) would show interest in me and really do they best to impress me and even try to get me to go out with them. But they seemed somewhat a little uncertain as to whether I'd be okay with it. Well I must say it's could be due to the fact that during my early teens when I had my growth spurt, although very insecure at times, I told myself that you know what, if I'm gonna be tall then I might as well be confident and positive about it, and walk like I knew I was being secretly filmed. And so I never slouched and always made an effort to wear clothes that flattered my height, figure and frame but was at the same time not 'trashy' as some would call it. This inturn lead to people treating me just like that. Don't get me wrong I'm not miss popular, if anything I was always more of the smart nerdy type, with the random friends doing all the smart extra mural activities, infact I was seen as the very conservative christian girls but I guess embracing who I was made me a liked nerdy type. I never get rude stares or silly comments. The only stares I get, is when someone sees me for the 1st time and noticed how tall I am. It's funny cause their heads go all the way up to my head then quickly down to my feet to see if I'm wearing heels then back up in shock, but not a rude insulting shock, more like a wow girl you got such a figure and height without heels and in ordinary clothes. Oh and another thing I love about being tall is that even simple clothes look quiet nice on me. Like I could easly wear a pair of jeans and top and flops and wear it well. Being tall is great! Embrace who you are always, as for the haters, quiet frankly I couldnt care less. We need to realise that being tall or short is just one subject, like come on people, I'm tall, so now what. It's not like thinking about it day and night will make me a tad shorter, so why then not just move on with our lives. There's waaay more to life than height:)
Oh and I just wanted to add kimora lee simons is also 6"0, that's 183cm and she's beautifully gorgeous and forever rocking heels. Tyra banks is 5"10, that's 178 cm and she wears heels all the time. And that's just a few of the many examples.
even as a 5`9" male, I`m considered too short for many women. In my younger days I dated a girl who only came up to my shoulders, and even she wantd someone taller!
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