"Being tall makes you stand out in most groups. As with any kind of difference you have to learn to own it."

Maddie Crum
Books and Culture Writer, The Huffington Post

When Jessica Goldschmidt was five years old, she was put in a swimming group at day camp with a bunch of kids twice her age. She was taller than the average child, so her strength was assumed to be on par with the older campers. But, the current was stronger than her athletic abilities, and she struggled to stay afloat, nearly drowning.

Though her height hasn’t had quite as dire an impact on her personality since then, its influenced her work as a theatre artist. Along with three other tall women, she co-created, choreographs for and performs in "Tall Women in Clogs", a funny, feminist take on how height can shape a woman’s identity in America.

Goldschmidt met Sophie Shackleton and Katherine Cooper at Brown University while performing for a student production of "The Rocky Horror Show". After graduating, the three women moved to New York City, where they teamed up with Madeline Wise to create "Tall Women in Clogs", a variety show involving dance, physical theater and circus, which sold out on its first run. The troupe recently campaigned on Kickstarter to bring their work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.

"Tall Women in Clogs is an ethos, an attitude", they wrote on their Kickstarter page. “It’s a way of looking at ourselves, the world, and our bodies in the world as four 20-something women who take up more space than average.”

Below, Goldschmidt, Shackleton, Cooper and Wise discuss their play, their height, the Rockettes, and the woes of middle school dances.

Do you think being tall is an integral part of your identity?

Madeline Wise: In general my height is something that I feel doesn't define me. I'd always prefer that I am defined by nonphysical traits, because those are the traits I can control and cultivate.

Sophie Shackleton: It affects my feelings of femininity deeply. But it also makes me feel very capable, and older than my age much of the time, and is a great asset for leadership and confidence in many parts of life, too.

Jessica Goldschmidt: On a family vacation when I was five, I was so tall they placed me in a day camp group with the eight to 10-year-olds. I almost drowned because the undertow was too strong. So for me, early on, being tall became almost literally a matter of life and death.

Katherine Cooper: Absolutely.

You discuss a few of the woes of tall women on your Kickstarter -- that others expect you to be stronger than you are, for instance. Which of these misconceptions do you struggle with the most?

MW: I think the bit about being tougher than you are, probably. I've had a lot of people project stoicism onto me simply because I'm physically above the sturm und drang.

SS: I struggled with weight as a kid, so that is strongly related to my feelings about “bigness." I’m no longer overweight, but because of my height, I’m realizing that I will always feel like I still am “too large.” As I get older, I’m much more interested in embracing femininity and vulnerability. I’m full of those things too, perhaps even more because of my size, and I’m less scared of showing that.

JG: For me, it's this ideal that a tall woman is an outlier, that she must be either a) ungainly/"unfeminine" or b) supermodel/Rockette material -- ogres or sex objects, and not much in between

KC: I definitely struggle to share my vulnerability with people. I'd say that's probably true of a lot of people. But I think being tall exacerbates that feeling because people do expect you to be stronger and more competent a lot of the time.

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‘My Giant Life’ Sneak Peek: Haleigh Faces Pregnancy Complications, Alicia Jay Struggles With Dating

By Megan French 1 day ago

Standing tall! In an exclusive sneak peek of season 3 of My Giant Life, six tall women, Haleigh, Alicia Jay, Katja, Lindsay, Krista and Coco all deal with different issues related to their extreme heights and beyond.

Haleigh, who is 6-foot-7, and her 5-foot-8 husband, Bryan, have made it through their first year of marriage and are expecting their first child together. “We moved to Tennessee, and we’re pregnant,” she reveals in the clip. “We weren’t supposed to be able to get pregnant, so this makes this pregnancy a little more delicate.” 

In the preview, the couple learn there may be some complications with the pregnancy. A doctor is seen telling them that he sees a “big issue.”

Meanwhile, Alicia Jay, is struggling with dating because of her 6-foot-6 height — and because she’s a virgin. “I love my height, but I definitely think it’s harder to date as a tall woman,” she says. “If I don’t get married, I could be a virgin until the day I die.” The clip teases an awkward interaction when she tells a man that she’s a virgin after he asks her to come upstairs at the end of a date. 

Lindsay, on the other hand, is dealing with roommates trouble. “A lot has happened in my life. I dumped my boyfriend. I relocated to Las Vegas because I needed a fresh start. I want to get a roommate. I am interviewing someone who I met on social media. Fun fact: She’s also really tall,” the 6-foot-9 blonde says. “When Krista walked into the bar, I was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s one of my kind.'”

However, things aren’t going as great as they both hoped. “You don’t really know the other person until you live with them,” Krista says, while pointing out that the freezer is disgusting, there’s hair in the refrigerator and Lindsay has a whole shelf in her closet of her roommate’s stuff.

“She has to realize she’s not the only badass in the house,” Lindsay quips.

Watch the preview above to see what’s going on with the rest of the ladies!

My Giant Lifereturns to TLC Sunday, September 17, at 10 p.m. ET.

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"The struggles of being 6'2" and shopping on the high street"

Fashion as a tall woman is a minefield 

By Lateefah Jean-Baptiste - Apr 26, 2019

The older I get, the less shopping on the high street appeals to me. As you're rushing around trying to find the perfect outfit for your friend’s birthday next week, you’re greeted with large groups of sightseeing tourists, sellers trying to get you to donate to their cause, and loud music coming the crowd forming around the break-dancers - it can all be a bit daunting for anyone. But imagine how it must feel when you’re 6’2".

With palazzo trousers that fit like culottes, and mini dresses that literally just about cover our bums, it can be hard out here for a tall girl. Being a 6’2" woman means that most of the stores on the high street don’t cater to my long torso and even longer legs.

I remember when I was looking for holiday outfits for a girls trip on the high street. I entered my first store and saw a few bits that I wanted to try on, and honestly what happened in that fitting room next was nothing short of comedic. First I attempted to try on a jumpsuit, but what I ended up with was a camel toe. However, I didn’t give up hope and tried on the next outfit.

This one was worse than the first one. This time it was my long arms and 36-inch legs that were the problem. The long sleeves were more like ¾ lengths and the wide leg bottom half of the jumpsuit fit like boot cuts, just about reaching my ankle.

As I looked in the mirror all I could do was think that I resembled Shawn Wayans from the shopping scene in White Chicks, when he burst out of the clothes he tried on in the fitting room. Comical, but not the look I was going for.

By the end of my failed shopping trip, I wondered why I even bothered with high street stores and turned to what can only be referred to as all tall girls shopping safe haven; ASOS Tall.

I recently noticed that many shops that do have ranges created for tall women are usually online only. Topshop recently removed their tall section from their Westfield Stratford store and I don’t think I have ever seen a Dorothy Perkins or New Look tall section in store. Which is probably why the tall women I know prefer online shopping.

“I’m annoyed that a number of big high street stores have taken out the tall ranges and opted to put them online too. It’s just not fair, I should have the right to try things on in store like everybody else,” 6’2” Artist Kirsty Latoya told Cosmopolitan UK.

“I have a love-hate relationship with shopping because of my long limbs, combined with a lack of stores providing tall enough clothes. Some items like jeans are frequently labelled as tall but they come so far up my leg they look like pedal-pushers!”

Youtuber Gifty Appiah noticed that there weren’t many clothing hauls that catered to tall women in the UK. Which is why she decided to film a Tall Girl Haul, where she shares her knowledge on the hotspots for tall girls to shop.

“I remember being in desperate need of a last-minute outfit for a night out, which meant I had no time to order online. I was on the hunt for a lightweight jacket to throw on, and nothing catered to my long arms,” says the 6ft Youtuber.

“Usually I’ll have to buy a size 16 instead of my usual size 12 just to get some extra length, and that’s still never really enough. It’s extremely frustrating, but that’s the reality of being 6ft and trying to find clothes that fit.”

If we’re being honest, a lot of the high street brands’ tall ranges aren’t exactly oozing with a variety of patterns, styles and colours. I can’t even begin to explain how frustrating it is walking into a store, seeing a cute playsuit and thinking "I really hope they have that in the tall section", only to check the tall range (online of course) to be meet with a range of basic t-shirts, jeans and jackets.

But I know it’s not only us tall girls that go through this. Petite and plus-sized women have often shared their struggle to find clothes that fit on the high street. However, online stores like Pretty Little Thing, Boohoo and Missguided have petite and plus size sections, so I’m hopeful the high street is beginning to think about different body types.

I guess, because I’ve been tall all my life, I’ve learned how to navigate the high street properly. I know what shops to go to and what ones to avoid, and thanks to shops like Zara and Mango occasionally having some pieces that cater to my body type, shopping is becoming easier.

But, for the most part if I want a pair of good quality trousers, jumpsuit or mini dress I head straight online.

All women should have the luxury of trying before we buy. Just once it would be nice to walk in a store and pick up a cute jumper without having to roll up the sleeves, or some decent pair trousers that don’t fit like ankle grazers.

Between the strangers mumbling ‘wow she is tall’and asking if you play basketball or model (because you know all tall girls are good for is modelling and playing sports), to then not being able to find anything that fits – it’s enough to send any tall girl over the edge.

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ByMegan Gustashaw

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MODEL MONDAY: Taylor Rhoden Takes Her Confidence To New Heights Despite Being Told She Was "Too Tall" To Model

Keyaira Boone @pennedbykeyaira - Posted 13 hours ago

Name: Taylor Rhoden

IG: tall.tay

Agency: Bridge Models

Claim to Fame: Rhoden won an international modeling competition with lingerie and swimwear brand Curvy Kate.

In the minds of most people "model" translates to tall beautiful woman and Taylor Rhoden was among them when she entered the industry. But possessing one of the most important assets in the industry ironically threatened to restrict the beauty's career. In an exclusive interview the international model spoke to HelloBeautiful about breaking into modeling, loving her body's uniqueness, and being told she was "too tall" to model.

"To be completely transparent the modeling industry isn't all that I thought it would be," said Rhoden, who recently quit her full-time job to pursue her career. "I've had some great experiences. I've gotten to walk in fashion shows. I've gotten to work with great clients but one thing that's always kind of hindered me which sounds crazy is being too tall," she revealed. "I think the general population thinks that for models you have to be real tall and like the taller the better, you know. I'm 6'2 and that's honestly difficult for the modeling industry." The height of a runway model without heels usually caps out at just under 6 feet tall. Rhoden pointed out that most models she encounters are, "5'9 ,5'10 and once they put on their heels their 6 feet or whatever."

"So being flat footed 6'2 has always been a barrier for me," she continued, adding that, "it's something that I'm still trying to break through."

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Those of us women over 6' tall in the U.S. (I'm 6'4") only make up 1% of the population. That's about 3.2 million of us out there. It's not a huge number, but here's the thing about that number:

• 99% of us are between the ages of 20 and 50
• We are internet savvy because we had to be (to find clothes, communities, etc.)
• A decent chunk of us tend toward the liberal because, again, we had to (traditional roles don't work with us, we faced a lot of bullying growing up, etc.)
• We are constantly exploring the world around us for innovations (because we're looking for the world to offer things that work for us)

Essentially, we are the perfect demographic for Jezebel. And many of us are readers. In many of the tall communities I'm in, we share Jezebel articles frequently. We are still, above all, women who want to connect with others and the world around us.

Well, Jezebel, you just lost us. The quick spotlight Clover Hope wrote about the TLC series My Giant Life was bad.

Read the full article / blog posting

The astonishing Lindsay Kay Haywardis part of a new series on TLC. It's called "My Giant Life" and will begin airing on the U.S. cable network on July 14 at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST.

All of the cast members are well over six-feet tall. The shortest woman featured in the show - Colleen, a 36-year-old former pro-Volleyball player – stands at six feet six inches tall and the tallest - Nancy Mulkey, a Texan high school basketball player - is six feet nine inches. Lindsay is not quite 6'9" herself (she officially stands at 6'8 3/4") and the World's Tallest Actress. As you can imagine these ladies have a lot to say about themselves and what challenges they are facing in their daily lives.

BYJULIE MAZZIOTTA @julietmazz

06/21/2016 AT 09:45 AM EDT

At 6'9", landing acting gigs is no easy task for actress Lindsay Hayward. And her bad head shots aren't helping.

To reignite her career, Hayward hires a photographer for new head shots in this exclusive clip from Tuesday's episode of My Giant Life.

"I'm here to get my head shots done, because last time I took head shots was a few years ago, so I definitely want to update my new, more radiant look," Hayward, 28, says in the clip. "I think that it's going to do wonders as far as getting my further in my acting career."

But as it turns out, Hayward is looking for less of a head shot, and more of a body shot.

"As a six-foot-nine-inch actress it's very, very important that I get full-length body shots because nobody believes how tall you are."

Hayward hates her old head shots because they were shot from an unflattering angle – by someone shorter than her – giving her a double chin.

"Everyone's looking at me from way down here and like I'm way up here, and when they look at me I've got that double chin angle, you know what I mean? It's not very flattering," she says. "Because I do have that as an insecurity, I need someone who's not taking that shot all the time."

"If I could change anything about my looks I would make my face a little bit thinner here," Hayward admits, pointing to her neck.

Luckily, she found a photographer, Sharon, who understands – even if she was a little surprised at Hayward's size.

"Holy cow, okay!" Sharon says. "I am used to working with much smaller people, so I was not expecting her to be as tall as she was."

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A 6'3" Fashion Model who prefers to be anonymous has some advice, shares a few stories and also has a "scam warning" for you!

Many of us who are tall are told we should model and a few of us follow up on it. So many girls have a dream about modeling that they can be victims to scam artists and bad business plans. You need to be aware of this and make your decision with some knowledge.

A big scam is the photographer who will make you pay a lot of money for "professional" photos. Most agencies don't require much in the way of photos - a few basic shots. You don't need to worry about expensive makeup artists and fancy hair. It doesn't hurt to start building a book, but you don't need it.

Watch out for "the guy with a camera" who offers to take photos for nothing, but isn't professional. If you know the people it is fine, but there are some very creepy guys who prey on women.

Focus on agencies with names. If you sign with an agency, make sure they don't ask you for money. They are the ones who pay you. There are many that ask for up-front money, but legitimate agencies don't.

Make sure you understand the contract. In most cases it should be non-exclusive. This is important enough that it is worth paying a lawyer for an hour to look over it. In the big modeling cities you can find lawyers with experience with this kind of contract.

Another area where models get hurt is with beginning designers. Most of them mean well, but it is a long shot for any of them to succeed. It is ok to trade a bit of modeling in return for the experience and a small bit of money, but make sure you don't pay them for anything. I've seen many who expect you to pay for your travel and even buy clothing for the event.

Some companies will ask you to invest in them - "a sure thing" - they'll tell you. If they have a real business plan, they can find loans and other investments from people who know how to calculate risk. Putting your money in a mattress is a better thing. In fact burning 90 percent of it is probably a better investment. Stay away - even if you know the people. I've seen friendships ruined.

There are a few legitimate businesses that cater to tall women. They may not pay well, but they are legitimate and will pay. Be very very careful with anything that is new.

And to those of you who are starting something new. Fashion is very risky. Make sure you have a solid business plan and a good line of investment and credit. Remember that you need to be fair to models as well as your customers.

Joerg says: If you want to learn more about "modeling scams" just do an online search!!!

Notes on modelling (from a successful runway model who is 6'3")

Tall women are often told they should model. Fashion models (print and runway) are often taller than the average man, so most people assume the taller you are, the better chance you have. I'm a fairly successful print and runway model and have been around the industry for about six years. I get asked about how to get into it all the time, so here are a few notes.

There are many types of modeling. Print, runway, commercial (of many types), glamour,fitness, fine art, body part,event modeling, spokesmodeling etc. I have only done regular fashion and some commercial work and will stick to talking about that only. There are many ways to break up fashion, but it is usually runway, editorial. catalog, print, show room,. lingerie and plus size. I mostly do runway, editorial and print.

The important thing to remember in fashion is that you are selling clothing to women. With the exception of plus sized models what sells is very thin, somewhat tall, good skin and certain features. Size is very important as it would be difficult to bring many sizes of clothing - fitting it to slightly different sized models is hard enough. It is very rare to see models shorter than 5'9 or taller than 6'0 cm. 5'10 or 5'11 is considered "perfect" and most successful models are that height. Out of over 1000 models I'm told there are maybe 20 who are taller than 6'0. (I'm 6'3, but more on that later)

The other measurements are also very important - maybe even more important as it is more difficult to get a size fit than a length fit. Generally 33-24-34 is considered ideal. A smaller is better than larger. Most places have very firm rules about hips more than 36" and a waist more than 25.5" is going to be trouble. If you don't have these measurements it is extremely difficult to get work in regular fashion. For what its worth I'm 33-24-35. I have no idea what the rules are for plus sized modeling, but that area is getting much less important. If you don't have these measurements, but still want to model,. I would strongly recommend another type of modeling. It isn't right or wrong - it is just what the designers are willing to hire. An agency may lie about your height, but never your other measurements - just an indication of what is important!

You don't have to be classically beautiful - I'm certainly not. They do like interesting looks. A clear complexion is very important.

If you have the right "look", the right size, the right height and are maybe 18-22, I would go to a fashion city (NYC in the US, London, Paris or Milan in Europe) and go to open calls at every agency you can find. You can also send two clean photos. A full length body shot without fancy clothing so they can see your shape and a portrait. No makeup and nothing done to your hair. They are looking at bone structure and want to see the blank slate. Different agencies have different tastes and they change with time. Some may be very interested and others won't give you the time of day,

Don't worry about paying a photographer for fancy photos - money down the drain. It might be useful if you are doing commercial work though and you can sometimes get good images for nothing with a trade for print arrangement with a (good) local photographer. You should be very very careful if you go that route., do your homework and take a friend. And if you do it, don't settle for anyone who is offering less than a studio shoot.

I won't go into the homework - the tricks of the trade and things like that because it is different for everyone. I want to stress that you should be naturally thin for this. If you have to diet or smoke to hit size - DON'T DO IT!!! Your health is much more important. I'm a non-smoking, non-drinking vegetarian. I do a lot of serious exercise a day - a fast hour plus run every morning and I use a single speed bicycle to get around. My legs are in very good shape.

I wouldn't sign an exclusive with anyone unless they are offering you an excellent contract with guaranteed work. This is very rare and you need the help of a lawyer if you are lucky enough to be in this position. You need to have a lawyer look over contracts anyway. A necessary expense of the game.

Technically I'm too tall for most modeling. For the first four years (Toronto, NYC and then Europe), most of my income came from waitressing. I got into commercial modeling where a tall model might be needed and spend a lot of time trying to figure out who might need a tall girl like me and then trying to sell myself. I am listed with a couple of agencies for regular fashion and another for commercial work and also promote myself with my own one person agency (I'm the president, model, janitor, book keeper, chief of marketing, etc...).

The reason why I get away with runway is that my walk is good, the rest of my measurements are ok and I have good hair and a fairly symmetrical face. I have lied about my height. I have told agencies that I am 6'1 and they adjust. I have been listed from 5'11.5 to 6'1.5, but no one has listed my real height. I did quite a bit of work with and for fashion students (an excellent way for out of ordinary models to get started I think) and many reviewers call my walk "fierce". About a year ago a designer liked my look and I started do catwalk work for them. A good walk goes a long way and I've been doing fashion weeks for about four seasons now. I haven't thought about waitressing since.

When you are recognized you start doing print and editorial work too. The pay at the low end might sound good per hour, but there aren't many hours. Runway is usually starts at 50 to 75 euros per hour. Print can be more. Editorial is often less as the exposure is considered valuable. If you are sought after it is easy to do more than 60 hours in the fashion week season. I did nearly 120 hours for S/S08 (spread over about three weeks). Once you get established your rates go up. My rates vary by job, but are well above the numbers I mention. The agencies take is usually 15 to 25 percent.

I may have sounded a bit negative. If you have your heart set on fashion, you need to realize the requirements are very very narrow and it is difficult to be a success if you are outside of them. The shorter women on this board are in the right height range though. If you are a bit taller, like me, you have to be crazy but I eventually did get luck and maybe you will. But my walk and ability to pose are both much better than average and that is why I get work.

Commercial modeling is very different. You still need to be able to pose and sometimes acting ability (which I don't have) can be important. The ability to do video is becoming very important and there a sense that modeling is changing. The trick is to be in a market where you are wanted (read - really big city where there is a lot of ad work) and have an agency that believes in you and promotes you. I have not had much luck with good commercial agencies, which is why I made my own. My feeling is that tall women are nature's billboards and should be great for commercial work. It is just getting the message out there. I work very hard at that.

The rewards are great. I have lots of travel, sometimes too much, and quite a few adventures. I have done things that I wouldn't have considered possible when I was a teenager. There are easier ways to make a living, but the travel and adventure is what I'm after. And when sometime asks me if I've thought about modeling, I tell them "yup" and walk on...

But don't get too hung up on it - modeling is very competitive and hard work. If it is between going to college and modeling, go to college. For me it was pretty much between modeling and waitressing, so the choice is a bit easier.

You do have to be careful. I don't list my name because I've had stalkers in the past. If you absolutely need to talk, you can get in touch with the moderator and he will make a decision. I can't make connections for you blindly - I have to know someone very well and be familiar with their work to do that as my reputation in on the line.

One of the most important assets of a runway model needs is a great walk. These are very stylized and very hard to do in heels. The trick is to learn to walk on the balls of your feet and practice practice practice.. But when I had to do it, I found it came naturally and I have my brother Jon to thank.

Jon is my older brother - two years older in fact. When I was 11 and started to grow I started getting close to his height. Girls do this as our growth comes earlier and I found I could *really* annoy him my going on my toes whenever we were next to each other. This became a real game and I managed to get very good at it. I quickly passed his height and still did it because kids love to annoy their siblings. At first mom used to yell at me, but when I passed him she gave up.

He never really grew that much. My family isn't that tall. At 6'3, I'm the only one over 5'9. Jon is around 5'8 and I still go on my toes when I'm around him as part of the old joke.

I did my first runway work at age 15 in a department store. Mostly it was for teens and they only had one section with heels. I had never tried them, but decided "why not" and found I could easily deal with them and was the only girl there with a walk. These days my walk is described by some fashion writers as "fierce" and I have my brother to thank for it.

If you are wondering, I don't like heels. It isn't being shy about my height - I wouldn't mind being taller, but not with heels. I know how to use them, but they make my feet hurt so I only use them in fashion. Most of the time I'm in my running shoes. My closet has eight pair of shoes. One pair of flip flops, three pair of running shoes, two pair of very comfortable business flats, a pair of boots with almost no heel, and a pair of very unstable stilettos that I use for practice. I can run in them if I have to and even run up stairs, but heels are too painful for me to use when I'm not working.

So that's about it...

Joerg says: Thank you to the mystery model I won't be naming!

I had been hired to work at a big auto event a few years ago. My hair was very white at the time and some people say my ears are elfish when my hair is pulled behind them, so they wanted me to be some kind of earth-protecting warrior elf ushering in a new experimental car that burns hydrogen (BMW). In marketing myself I sometimes present weird things, but this was over the top and something I wouldn't have come up with on my own.

I was supposed to walk across a fog covered stage and through a gateway to the car. They wanted to use me for my height. Their car has a very tall body and they needed it to look a bit smaller. So the elf, me - at my 190cm, had to strap on some *frightening* boots that added about 20cm to my height. I'm extremely thin in the first place and must have looked just wrong and silly at 210cm.

All of this came together at the last minute. I was nervously trying to walk in these boots that were both unstable and too small for my feet. It was extremely un-elvish (or at least what I thought an elf should be).

The lights went down, the music came up - the lady who was steadying me gave me a little push and said something in German I didn't understand. I gave my fiercest look to the crowd and marched as best I could to the gate with huge warrior spear in my right hand.

The lights were really bright and I was looking at the tape marks on the floor to see where I was going. Fog was pouring onto the floor making navigation interesting at best.

The gate was basically a doorframe with fancy trimming on it. A doorframe that was made for a 200 or, at best, a 205 cm door. 210 cm is more than 205 and it really hurt when my head hit the frame. I heard a gasp go up from the crowd and made a mental note that his was probably my last job with BMW.

Regaining what little dignity i had, I ducked under the gateway and marched over towards the car.

When I banged my head I also twisted my left foot a bit and my right boot had worked loose. After about three steps it came off and I fell to the floor. Trying to find my balance I instinctively threw the spear. It may not have been an Olympic class throw, but it did manage to hit the car

The announcer said something in German and the crowd laughed and then applauded as I got up.

Not many of us get a chance to throw a spear at the product they are promoting. I managed to dent the car and was worried about damages, but they paid. I haven't worked there since though.

The other was holding some animals for a baby animal press conference at the local zoo. I love animals and volunteered for this. I had a little brown bear cub. As I got up with him, nature called and he managed to pee and poop all over my "Kobenhavn Zoo" t-shirt and my super expensive tailored jeans (which came free as a perk from an earlier job). The little guy held quite a bit of liquid! Again the audience applauded. Bear pee is *really* strong. It was a one hour bike ride home.

Sunday, 7 June 2015 - 6:30am | Place: Mumbai | Agency: dna | From the print edition

Roshni Nair, Averil Nunes, Rama Sreekant

Too short or too tall, they don't fit society's definition of 'normal' and often find themselves on the margins of mainstream life. But they have taken on the challenge imposed by their height to forge their own identities. Roshni Nair, Averil Nunes and Rama Sreekant get an insight into the the struggles of those who give us valuable life lessons in how to make the most of adversity

Gender games

"One of my clients, a schoolgirl, lost all self-confidence as she had a tough time due to her height," says Chhabria. "She'd slouch and shun socialising because she perennially feared she'd be made fun of. As it is, every girl is body-conscious at a point. When kids make fun of you at this juncture, it can scar."

Goregaon resident Vijaya Pawar has been witness to this. She stands 5'10" tall and is hardly what one would insensitively call a 'giant'. But she grew up at a time when the average Indian height was less than what it is today. "In my village, people would say things like 'Tu bahut jaldi budhdhi ho jayegi', or 'You're so big now, why aren't you married yet?' This was when I was still in school," she says, and admits the pressure to fit in led to the drooping of the shoulders and consequently, a slight but lifelong hunch.

"I've seen mothers of girls who are 5'9"-5'10" encouraging them to stoop because they 'won't get boys who'll marry them'," shares orthopaedist Dr Neeraj Bijlani. Public infrastructure is also not adjusted for tall Indians, leave alone 'abnormally tall' ones, he adds. So having to constantly bend or sit uncomfortably in seats that are ergonomic only for the majority can predispose one to joint problems.

Then there's Scheuermann's Disease, a classic example of a socio-cultural phenomenon leading to a medical issue. Bijlani explains: "This condition is caused due to constant slouching, which affects the growth of the vertebrae and creates a hunchback. In my practice, the male-female prevalence is 1:10."

There's more. "If those affected are still growing, belts, braces and posture correction can be undertaken. The condition can't be reversed for adults. Their only option is corrective surgery," he says.

Citing numerous studies, The Atlantic's Joe Pinsker said in a May 2015 article titled 'The Financial Perks of Being Tall', "...an extra inch is worth almost $800 a year in elevated earnings." Meaning the taller you are, the more you'll earn – if you're in a 'Western' country.

Former I Am She Miss Universe India runner-up Reha Sukheja is yet to have a level playing field, leave alone get a fatter paycheck than peers. At 6'1", this 24-year-old is often rejected at auditions for commercials due to her height. "People say, 'Sorry, you're too tall'. If I'm auditioning for 10 ads, I'll go beyond step one in maybe two-three. Mostly since those will be 'solo girl' ads with no men," she says.

When she was in school, her PT teacher pushed her into the basketball queue even though she wanted to play volleyball. And having to cock her ear to hear what people around are saying is routine. "It's awkward posing for pictures. And yes, people look me up and down – first to see my height, then at my feet to check if I'm wearing heels and then back up again for confirmation," she laughs. But all this, she adds, isn't a bugbear like
the professional constraints she faces.

In an atmosphere where significantly tall women condition themselves to bending, slouching and feeling overtly conscious of their heights, Sukheja is an exception. It helps that her father and mother – former model Renu Sukheja, herself 5'10" – never made her feel small about her height. Reha always maintained a straight posture, basically flipping the bird to all those who encourage 'lambus' to do otherwise or say things like tall girls don't 'need' to wear heels. She also has no qualms dating shorter men – her current boyfriend is a few inches shorter. "If both of us are okay with it, I don't see why anyone else should care," she underlines.

This is the attitude parents, teachers and guardians should foster in the considerably tall instead of alienating them further, says Anjali Chhabria. Society will keep projecting its anxieties on anyone with a different body. The antidote is to be accept and be comfortable in your own skin.

How long, then, before those like Sukheja – and others of varying body types – get to play in a level field? One can only hope it won't be a wait for eternity.

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SHE WAS bullied in her school years for towering above her classmates.

Now, Willerby woman Jessica McCubbin has had the last laugh, after shining in the Miss Beauty Curve finals in London. Jessica, 22, finished in the top ten at the pageant for plus-size women. She was also crowned Miss Publicity and Miss Top Model.

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Chase says her extreme height - she is 6'5 in flats - made her first pick in sports at school

And while she is busy building a career as a model, she has been turned down by some agencies for being too TALL. The 6’5" beauty’s pins measure a lengthy 51 inches – which is 0.9 inches off the world record.

The 22-year-old, from California, was nicknamed ‘legs’ and ‘giraffe’ in school, but says that her assets have helped her excel in sports. Now Chase has emerged to trump the current US record holder, Holly Burt - whose legs measure an impressive 49.5 inches. Chase said: “I am proud of my legs – I wouldn’t want anything different.

Follow Chase on Instagram

Employee suspended by National Museum obsessed with tall women with long legs, court told

Dr Andrew Halpin has sued his employer over his formal suspension from his position as Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities.

AN EMPLOYEE OF the National Museum of Ireland who is challenging his suspension had "an obsession with tall women with long legs", the High Court has heard.

Dr Andrew Halpin has sued his employer over his formal suspension from his position as Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities following media reports in February 2017.

Dr Halpin, who claims his suspension is unwarranted and unlawful, was the subject of complaints of sexual harassment from female colleagues at the museum in 2016 and 2006.

He was informed he was being suspended to protect individuals at risk based on an alleged fear that due to the stress of adverse publicity there might be a repeat of conduct previously complained of.

Dr Halpin says any claim that others are at risk are false and in proceedings against the museum seeks various declarations from the High Court which if granted will allow him to return to work.

The claims are denied.

The High Court today heard Dr Halpin was sanctioned following an investigation into an allegation of by a female colleague in 2006. He did not dispute the complaint and was sanctioned by the museum.

Another complaint of sexual harassment was made in 2016, which Dr Halpin, with an address at Yellowmeadows Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin disputed.

A report into that allegation concluded there was no conclusive evidence to support the claim of sexual harassment.

Models

However as part of that investigation 700 pictures of "scantily clad" tall female fashion models were downloaded onto work computers by Dr Halpin were found.

The images were not pornographic, explicit or unlawful, however some of them had been altered by Dr Halpin to make the women look taller.

Oisin Quinn SC for the museum said it appeared that Dr Halpin had "an obsession with tall women with long legs". Dr Halpin cited stress as a reason for downloading this material.

Following the 2016 matter he was told by the museum not to have any physical contact with colleagues bar a handshake, not to work alone with female colleagues, and his internet access was limited. He also underwent counselling.

The case came before the High Court by way of a pre-trial application for the discovery of certain material.

Oisin Quinn SC for the museum said that it appeared that Dr Halpin had “an obsession with” and had downloaded the material “to indulge his fantasies” about tall women with long legs.

The museum seeks an order requiring Dr Halpin to give them certain medical records, including ones concerning his mental health, in advance of the trial.

Mr Quinn said the records are both "relevant and necessary" for its defence to the action.

Absurd

Counsel said as Dr Halpin seeks declarations that the museum is not entitled to require Dr Halpin to undergo either a psychiatric or neuropsychological assessment it would be “absurd” that he did not provide the medical information sought by the defendant.

Frank Callanan SC for Dr Halpin rejected the arguments advanced on behalf of the museum and said the records sought were not relevant.

Counsel said the application was "fishing" by the museum.

It was an attempt find something it didn’t know about at time it suspended Dr Halpin to see if that decision was right.

Counsel said his suspension was done to satisfy the media and create a distraction from other management issues concerning the museum.

There was no medical or lawful justification for his client to undergo medical assessments sought by the defendant, counsel said, adding the application was “punishment for suing the museum”, and "a PR stunt."

Dr Halpin was suspended after the previous matters had been dealt with, counsel said adding that his client had been caused intense upset and had been degraded and humiliated.

In reply Mr Quinn rejected claims made on Dr Halpin’s behalf.

Following the conclusion of submission from both sides Ms Justice Dierdre Murphy reserved judgment on the application. The Judge said she wanted time to consider the issues raised and would try to give her decision "as soon as possible."

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Ford Model from Lawndale Launches Series of Confidence Chats with Chicago’s Youth

5/16/2018, noon | Updated on 5/16/2018, noon 

Robin Harris, a fashion model represented by Ford Models, with an MBA in International Business has launched a series of confidence chats. Harris has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years, working as a professional model, designer, merchandiser, and creative director. She created MODEL ATELIER to fill the void and frustration that tall women have when it comes to finding stylish clothes that’s the perfect fit and length.

The mission of Confidence Chat is to empower young girls to love themselves as they are, and to know why confidence is so important to develop and have in order to face life’s challenges. The chats are a series of 4 scheduled throughout the year to be held from 10AM to NOON at the Young Women’s Leadership Charter School located at 2641 S Calumet Ave. in Chicago. The first Confidence Chat was held on May 5 and covered topics such as:

• Confidence is a mindset
• Health and Wellness
• Confidence in your appearance and style
• Paying Confidence Forward

ABOUT MODEL ATELIER:

MODEL ATELIER is a luxury design house exclusively for the tall, strong, and confident woman. It offers finely crafted ready-to-wear collections tailored for women 5’7’’and taller. Harris works together with an in-house design team to produce the finest clothing, content, and style for tall women. At MODEL ATELIER, they celebrate tall women and design modern clothing to fit the tall woman’s individual lifestyle. The company shares a common interest of being innovative, exceeding expectations, and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset. Harris is also developing a Historically Black College tour for 10 kids to visit Spellman, Morehouse College and Howard University.

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Here you find secondary sections like the "Tallest Known Living Women" section, the "Famous Tall Ladies" section and other items that may or may not be of interest to you. I know that we have a lot of male visitors I am not catering to specifically but that doesn't mean this website can't be an enjoyable experience for them as well. I guess you will agree.

In this section you will find original content... in contrast to the "Links" section which mainly consists of links to other website and publications.

Joerg says: "They are not big, they are tall. Why is it so difficult to distinguish?"

Ladies are all bigger than Michael Jordan

16th September 2017 by Julian Cheatle

My Giant Life returns to TLC for Season 3 this weekend — following the day-to-day happenings of six extraordinarily tall women. But just how tall are the stars of the show, which is now in its third season? The answer is…they’re BIG!

The average height of a woman in the United States is around 5 feet 4 inches — while the women on My Giant Life range from 6 feet 6 inches to an incredible 6 feet 9 inches. Two of the stars, Katja and Lindsay are both 6ft 9in, making them nearly one-and-a-half feet taller than the average woman. They are also taller than Basketball players Michael Jordan (6ft 5in), Kobe Bryant (6ft 6in) and LeBron James (6ft 8in).

The new season of My Giant Life has lots in store, with baby fever, pregnancy drama and breakups.

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As some of you may know, I am a "Plus Size" model. My measurements are: Height 5'11" Bust 45" DD Waist 35" Hips 47" which puts me at a size 14. I put the words plus size in quotations because i think that it is utterly ridiculous that because i am a curvier girl, because I have bigger hips, a bigger butt, bigger boobs, bigger arms, (you get the point) that I somehow have to be segregated in a different section in a store and I am limited to places I can shop. To me, the term Plus Size is a form of segregation. Why is it that we can't all be called models? We do the same jobs, I stand in front of a camera as long as other models, I fly the same planes, to the same places, I get paid the same, and I get the same hair and makeup done. So why do I get a different title because I have a little extra meat on my bones? This is something I will never understand and I hope that as time goes on the fashion industry will continue to jump on board.

It's incredible to me that plus size makes up 67% of our population yet so many people still gawk at the fact that a bigger woman would ever dare be on the side of a Bus or in Times Square such as the most recent Lane Bryant Campaign. I would love nothing more than to go into a store with a friend who is a size 4 and be able to get just as excited about going because i know that on the clothing rack I will find something for me as well, instead of making the walk upstairs to the corner by the bathrooms where they sell 7 pieces of "Plus Size" clothing that are all similar to that of a potato sack and are from 2012's Holiday collection. It makes me so excited to see some top designers getting on board this Curvy Girl train. I'm so grateful to have worked with so many of the incredible brands that I have who ARE on board but there aren't nearly enough in my opinion, and I'm pretty sure I speak for every other curvy girl out there.

I am praying for a curvy girl revolution, ladies! I want my children to live in a world where curvy girls being on a poster or billboard isn't "News." I don't want to have to explain myself when people ask what i do and I say "I model" followed by a sideways face and an up down at my body, "Well, I'm a plus size model..."

It certainly doesn't make me any less of a model than anyone else thats for damn sure!

Visit her website

Ireland Baldwin shows off long lean legs in tiny blue dress that just covers her 'lady parts'

By Dailymail.com Reporter - Published: 09:10 GMT, 10 December 2018 | Updated: 09:24 GMT, 10 December 2018

She stands at six feet two inches.

So Ireland Baldwin doesn't have it easy when she tries to put on just any dress she finds at a store.

The 23-year-old model showed the challenges she is faced with as a tall woman, when she shared a photo of herself in a tiny blue dress to her Instagram on Sunday.

In the photo, Ireland stands in a mirror giving a sarcastic thumbs up while wearing the in question garment.

The dress featured a high slit and highlighted her legs and had a low neckline that showed off her ample cleavage, but was not to the model's liking.

'When you're over 6'0 and every tight dress is really just a long sleeve shirt that covers your lady parts,' wrote Alec Baldwin's daughter.

Ireland was alone in the photo, but she has been dating Corey Harper for the last three months.

The couple were spotted kissing at his concert in Venice, California back in October, and have seemed almost inseparable since.

Rumors around the couple first started back in August when they were photographed together.

Ireland, who is the daughter of actors Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, dated surfer Noah Schweizer last year.

Before that, she had dated rapper Angel Haze from 2014 to 2015.

Corey, 23, is an up and coming singer/songwriter whose music has been compared to John Mayer.

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