A Black disabled veteran in Texas has found herself defending her right to use an accessible parking space for the second time in just two weeks. This time, a woman confronted her outside Costco in Katy, questioning her disability and taking issue with the temporary registration tag on her Tesla.
The video was shared on TikTok by @msblinggqueen. The woman approaches Felicia Bratcher and repeatedly asks whether she is handicapped, even questioning her about her disability. Bratcher asks whether she is a police officer and challenges her to explain why she thinks she has the right to question her.
When the woman continues, Bratcher responds, “Cause I am handicapped actually.” She then identifies herself as a disabled veteran and explains that she has ISA plates. She also points out that her temporary registration does not mean she is not entitled to use the accessible parking space.
Bratcher tells the woman to mind her business and invites her to look at the temporary tag. She even tells her to call the police if she believes there is a violation. The woman continues arguing, with Bratcher repeatedly reminding her that she has no obligation to explain her disability to a stranger.
At one point, Bratcher sarcastically tells her, “Thank me for my service,” before making it clear that she is tired of being questioned. She also points out that the woman could have simply minded her own business instead of approaching her.
The confrontation is particularly frustrating for Bratcher because it is not the first time this has happened. In an earlier video, she documented an encounter with an older man at Tompkins High School in Katy while she was there to vote early.
He questioned her use of an accessible parking spot because he could not see a disability placard and warned her about a $500 fine.
Bratcher explained then that her new Tesla had temporary tags while her permanent registration and plates were designated for disabled parking. She also identified herself as a Marine Corps veteran with a 100% disability rating.
In her latest post, Bratcher says the Costco confrontation happened just three days after the election and that she had decided not to be as polite as she was during the earlier incident.
She wrote that she was tired of having to defend her right to exist in public without being questioned, adding that not all disabilities are visible. She also said she had visited the DMV that day, further explaining why her vehicle still had temporary registration.
Internet Reacts to Texas Disabled Veteran’s Second Handicap Parking Confrontation
Viewers were quick to remind people that disabilities are not always visible. One commenter wrote, “Disabilities aren’t always visible. Why can’t ppl just mind their own business!!!!!!!” Another noticed the woman’s response when Bratcher explained her situation, saying, “Her saying typical is so microaggressive.”
One viewer, who identified herself as a white woman, supported Bratcher’s response. “As a white woman…. Thank you for putting her in check. The entitlement and audacity is disgraceful, disturbing and disgusting. I’m so sorry you are dealing with people like her,” she wrote.
Others pointed out that a disability does not have to be visible to be legitimate. “Now what if you had PTSD? People better start minding their business,” one person commented. Another thanked Bratcher for her service, writing, “Thank you for service… sorry you have to deal with racist white people who feel that they needs to know your business. you handle it perfectly.”
One commenter questioned, “Why do people think it’s ok to address someone they know nothing about. How dare her do this to you.” And another offered Bratcher some encouragement, writing, “Ma’am you are gorgeous! And that karen can go to hell!”
The Nerd Stash could not independently verify Bratcher’s disability status or confirm whether she had the required documentation to use the accessible parking space.
