Thanks for your comment and perspective. Actually my plea is for a diversity of seat sizes, which would accommodate all of us. I no more wish seats to be normed on my size–nor would I ever postulate a “woman’s size”–than on another. Once we have a variety of chairs in public spaces, we’ll all, I hope, feel welcomed, comfortable, and expected. Be well, Joan

If the chairs were smaller, taller people couldn’t fit them. I’ve worn men’s watches and hats (and often winter coats) my whole life because somehow “feminine” has come to mean “small”. The idea of “women’s chairs” which are smaller terrifies me — it would mean one more time when I’d have to pretend to be “one of the guys”, one more time I get to be embarrassed for not being small.

Airplane seats were indeed designed for men, but the 6′ bulky men you describe don’t fit in them either. The original specifications came from US Air Force fighter pilot height and weight maximums: men no more than 5’10” with slim hips. Women my size don’t fit in them either, because the seats are too narrow for our hips. Even as a skinny teenager I could barely fit in them.

Please oh please stop equating being a woman with being small. You don’t know the damage you’re doing.