In Seattle, a sports bar transformed into a haven for people who often stand out due to their height. This gathering allowed these individuals to experience blending in, with tall men and women coming together without being the center of attention. For once, they didn’t need to explain why they don’t play basketball.
Tall Tour is a traveling event that celebrates height, drawing thousands across the U.S. since its inception last summer. It began in Tampa with 30 attendees and grew to nearly 4,000 in Orlando. Seattle saw around 750 attendees, providing a community for those who are typically noticed for their stature.
Tyler Bergantino, the 6-foot-9 founder of Tall Tour, views the event as healing. For Bergantino, a former software salesman turned TikTok creator, Tall Tour began on a whim—an invitation on social media sparked this movement.
Event Highlights
Each event follows a similar format. Attendees take photos and share tips on shoe shopping and stories of their unique challenges, like navigating airplanes and door frames. Many women are drawn to the speed dating aspect, hoping to meet partners comfortable with their height, whether they match it or surpass it.
Ksenia Protasenko, standing at 6 feet, highlights the intimidation factor tall women often face. She humorously handles comments about playing basketball by asking if the inquirer plays mini golf—a comment that often redirects the conversation.
The highlight of the event is crowning the tallest man and woman present. In Seattle, Susan Mullendore and her son Grayson received this honor, celebrating a shared experience of heightened normalcy.
Grayson, a college freshman at 7 feet tall, found comfort in this gathering. Usually, society’s fascination with height turns awkward; Tall Tour, however, flipped the dynamic. Attendees like Grayson and Susan find relief in being part of a community where height is ordinary.
Growing Business
Tall Tour has transitioned from a meetup into a growing enterprise. Tyler Bergantino quit his job to focus on the tour, and now manages it with a small team. Even celebrities have noticed; basketball players like Mamadou Ndiaye have participated, and outreach is expanding.
Future plans involve enhancing speed dating, launching a fashion show, and expanding globally. Advocating for improved accommodations for tall individuals remains a priority, alongside offering better clothing and even developing a dedicated app.
The simplicity and community Tall Tour fosters resonate with attendees. Watching tall women embrace their height without shame, crowned as Tall Queen, showcases the power of this gathering.
The tour continues through May, with upcoming stops in Houston and Dallas. Follow the journey and growth of this unique celebration of height.
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