Female-oriented coworking provier The Wing was once a haven for women with its daintily designed furniture, conference rooms named after feminist icons like Anita Hill and events with names like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
However, the seemingly progressive company was quick to experience criticism due to the lack of diversity in its spaces, but now, another issue has arisen for the company — straight men want to be apart of the social club.
Although it is not against the rules for men to join, members find it telling that men are choosing a space geared towards women for themselves.
“Maybe make it one day a week that men are allowed?” said Caitlin White, a 31-year-old West Hollywood member. “There has to be a legal way to work this out that still respects the space.”
Several members have reported that men are physically taking up too much space and are disrespectful of the rules, such as ignoring the four-hour cap on guest visits.
“At first it was jarring,” said a 30-year-old longtime New York member. “It started about a year ago and it’s getting worse. A guy even checked me out a few weeks ago. The whole purpose of the space is to not have to deal with anything like that.”