"Legroom On An Airplane": 50 Quiet Rebellions That Redefine Microfeminism, One Small Act At A Time

Today in a conversation in which a man kept interrupting the other woman present, I said, “I’d like to hear what S. is saying.” I used to be voiceless and scared. This came out very naturally.

If a man uses the terms “girls” or “gals” when referring to adult women, rest assured I’ll refer to them as “boys” not men in my response. They may not realize what they are doing at first, but they will when I respond.
Random male: “The girls in the legal department really did a great job with xyz.”
Me: “Yes, the boys did a great job as well.”

I'm trying not to apologise for getting angry, call myself too sensitive, or frame my reactions as overreactions. It's felt very empowering so far :)

Not a daily thing, but..
Was talking to a school friend, I know she has like 2-3 kids and stay at home mom bla bla. We were just reconnecting, and I asked just about her and her only! Not a single question of how's your family or how are the kids etc. Just, how are you, tell me about you, what are you thinking, what are you doing.. oooof!
It was new for her as well, coz the amount of time she was taking to put thought into these questions was pheww.. and she actually broke down and ranted 🥺

I make sure I correct the salesperson when I’m actually next to be served but they defer to the man who just arrived.

Give least one woman a day a compliment that doesn’t revolve around looks

Mine is consistently using the feminine gender when referring to God in my Christian church. She and Mother God word well. A lot less “Lord”

If I see another women who obviously wants to get away from the dude who has cornered them at a bar, I walk by and cropdust. I also like to call certain types of men "little buddy" online. And my favorite is telling men to smile more.

I'm at that age where I walk straight into the middle of the pack of teenage boys crowding the footpath and expect them to scatter.

Refusing to ever write or say “Mrs” or “Miss” only Ms.

I don't move for anyone on the sidewalk unless they're pushing a stroller, walker, or walking a dog or child. I keep to the right, as is correct.

Being 5'11 telling "6' men" that they indeed cannot be 6' if they're shorter than me

Honestly, I’ve just let my entire existence become my resistance.

Claiming all of my legroom on an airplane. If you're man-spreading into my space, prepare to awkwardly touch my calf the entire flight. Then I double down by taking both armrests if I'm in the middle.

I’m a stand-up comedian. Whenever I see a lineup advertised that’s all men (usually all white men, too), I’ll leave a glowing comment about how wonderfully diverse their lineups are.

I spread my legs and nudge them if they get too close. When I was on a near empty bus I used to move seats if someone tried sitting next to me and bring out my pepper spray if he looked like was going to move again.

Man spreading and using the arm rest while seated in a public place next to a man. Does my highly sensitive adhd ass hate my leg touching a stranger’s leg? 100% Do I refuse to make myself smaller anymore to make others feel more comfortable? 100% I’ll pick my battles.

I was walking with my son all the way nearly up next to a store wall and I noticed a man not moving outta the way coming toward me...it's the first time i really noticed-HE DIDN'T MOVE! I had to move to dodge him and nearly stepped on my kid. I was stunned & now I can't usee this bs

I never use “guys.” Team, folks, colleagues, occasionally g**g, but not gals either.

One of mine has always been paying for a meal/event tickets occasionally on a date. I can tell a lot by the way the guy responds.