Tried three places for lunch today and none cater for women

You clever person. I had no idea

For the reasons I suggested - it's just not practical. In an ideal world, everybody would have access to everything, regardless of ability, finances, location, education, height, weight, ethnicity, religion etc. But it's not an ideal world. In case you hadn't noticed, not all 'other people' have access to everywhere.

Such a weird post to make a very tangential point.

id have a lot more empathy if I had come in to this post knowing wtf you were aiming to discuss

It was very clear what you were trying to say.
I’m confused that so many didn’t get it.

It’s a great analogy OP. People on here just don’t want to understand just how hard it is not to be able to access so many places.
There is no good reason that the vast majority of places can’t properly make their businesses accessible. Even the likes of listed buildings absolutely can make far more of an effort to make their buildings more accessible. The reality is there isn’t the will to do it. Which is shocking. No doubt I will be shouted down and told not to be ridiculous. But I’m not. Where there is a will there is often a way. The technology is there and some truly difficult buildings have been made to be accessible. The sad reality is that people just don’t get it unless they themselves have been affected by just how shocking accessibility is.

It isn't though. Women are not the minority, at all. So it's a crap metaphor.
I'm disabled and, fortunately, we are very much in the minority. Britain is leaps and bounds ahead of most countries for disabled access, although obviously improving all the time and still a long way to go.
It is foolish to not plan in advance, if going out for a meal as a disabled person. This is why there are parking advantages, discounts etc etc. Being disabled is no fun at all, so leeways are given to lessen the difficulty. For the entire country to be "accessible" is unrealistic, and we need to be realistic.

I get your frustration but I'm sure you can also see that providing a wheel chair accessible toilet isn't always possible as there may not be sufficient space, or the changes necessary would breach building regulations which are very strict with respect to fire and hygiene considerations, or the business may not have the financial capacity to make major changes.

😆

Why shouldn't disabled people have access to everywhere like other people?

Whatever you thought etc. it was a clear as mud. Maybe stick to the story and forget the obscure analogies.

So the answer is to close all those that aren't accessible to all, no matter what their disability? Or to charge much higher prices to pay for huge alterations or new premises? Saying we will all experience disability is very misleading and the disability could be something like a broken arm. We don't all need access to everywhere all of the time.

My first thought

I understand your frustration but surely you can understand that not everywhere can be made accessible to all. Surely it's no big thing to call ahead and check? It would save you a lot of time and effort, and it might make some venues more aware of the need for improved access.

I struggle to use stairs and use two walking sticks to get around. I can only go to restaurants where I can park outside, possibly using my blue badge.

So, even after researching the location to make sure it is suitable for me, it’s surprising how many places have the toilets up or down stairs which are inaccessible to me. I now have to phone first to check.

I've never been anywhere that says you need a penis to get in or to use the toilet!

You made a nice point, don't listen to the people who don't understand it.

Exactly.

OP you'll be pleased to know in the very old ''colonial'' days of Harare, Zimbabwe there was a pub that had a clear sign above the door - ''NO WOMEN'' - I was shocked by it as a child and crept passed quickly!

Tell me you know nothing about disabilities without telling me.

Also what about cafes and restaurants only upstairs where there no access for a lift etc.

I agree with this.

You made out this was a man vs woman thing when it's nothing of the sort. You were not denied because of anything to do with a penis. Penis owning men whose legs don't work would have been in exactly the same position as you and your friend.

It's very frustrating but many places are old buildings with narrow doorways and turning points. They would have to do some serious rebuilding work to make it fully accessible. Did they offer to seat you outside? Or at least apologise?

Where did OP say that the only issue was accessing a toilet?

Not sure I agree with the comparison to men given that that is half the population. Surely more similar to something like eating out with kids? And yes, I would research first to make sure it was child friendly (or use places I have been to previously and have experience of).

It doesn't make sense.

She could buy lunch. She could eat lunch. She could sit there and eat all day.

The issue is that she couldn't access a toilet.