In Seattle, hundreds of towering individuals gathered at a local sports bar. For once, they blended in effortlessly. Women wore their tallest heels. Men strolled without ducking under doorways. Nobody asked why they weren’t basketball players.
This event was part of the Tall Tour, a meetup celebrating the height that makes participants unique. Since its start last summer, the tour has reached 19 cities, starting with 30 attendees in Tampa to nearly 4,000 in Orlando, as organizers reported. Seattle welcomed about 750 guests.
“Walking among people your height or taller when you usually stand out is healing,” said founder Tyler Bergantino, 6-foot-9 with size-16 shoes.
Bergantino, a former software salesman, initiated the concept casually via social media in Texas. His aim was to create content, but it sparked a movement.
Each meetup features tall individuals sharing stories, taking photos, and discussing challenges, such as finding shoes that fit and navigating cramped spaces. Speed dating offers women a chance to meet partners comfortable with their height.
Tall Tour attendees often face social challenges. Ksenia Protasenko, 6 feet tall, notes that being tall can intimidate others and overshadow other personality aspects.
“People often assume I play basketball, and I respond humorously,” she shared.
A highlight is the crowning of the tallest attendees. In Seattle, a mother, Susan Mullendore, and her son Grayson received the honor.
Susan expressed, “Sharing this moment and having our height celebrated was special.”
Grayson, 19, often encounters unwanted attention due to his 7-foot stature. At Tall Tour, the dynamic changed, offering him a rare feeling of normalcy.
“For once, I felt small,” said Grayson, reflecting on the event hosted by co-hosts taller than him.
Attendees describe a shared experience of social hyper-vigilance. Many try to avoid appearing threatening, a mindset deeply ingrained since childhood, according to Bergantino.
The event fosters community, bridging gaps formed by societal perceptions of tall individuals.
Challenges extend to finding suitable clothing and shoes. Susan orders her size-14 shoes from the UK, while Grayson modified his dorm bed for comfort.
Tall Tour, now a growing business, started as a simple meetup. Bergantino runs it full-time, supported by his team including his brother and executives.
High-profile figures like Mamadou Ndiaye and Shaquille O’Neal have shown interest. Future plans involve international expansion and speed dating events.
Bergantino aims to build a “tall-person ecosystem” improving options, from clothing to seating arrangements.
Small victories, like seeing women embrace their height, mean the most to Bergantino.
“Watching the Tall Queen get her crown brings immense joy,” he mentioned.
The tour continues with stops in Houston and Dallas, inviting those who stand tall to come and feel part of a community.