TikTok influencer Kirsten, also known by her handle @lil_tachy, was approached by a stranger while sat in her vehicle recently, and the man accused the 23-year-old of faking her disability because he witnessed her walk. The stranger confronted the Ohio-based influencer, who is known for her content that aims to raise awareness about Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition affecting the autonomic nervous system. Kirsten recorded the awkward interaction, which has since gone viral.
The one-minute video is accompanied by a brief description that helps set the scene for the ableist-fuelled encounter:
Pulled out my camera because this guy was watching me load my wheelchair back into my car after being in the store with it. I’ve had POTS for 7 years now, and most of the time I don’t need a wheelchair, but there are times where I can’t get around without one. I went through a 4 month long flare. Long story short, I don’t use the wheelchair unless I need to. I wasn’t in a handicap spot, I wasn’t in this guys way or impeding his ability to shop. Literally just minding my own business.
lil_tachy
At the beginning of the clip, the Ohio influencer can be seen sat in her vehicle wearing a grey t-shirt, with the camera recording her reaction to the stranger approaching her car. “Shut the f*ck up. He’s literally coming over here. Shut the f*ck up.” she says glancing at the camera with a worried expression on her face. There’s a knock on her window, and Kirsten respectfully rolls it down to initiate a conversation with the stranger. “Hi, is there a problem?“
While we don’t see the man in question, he can be heard saying, “Yeah, excuse me, but I noticed you got a wheelchair. Why do you need a wheelchair? I mean, you can obviously walk. I saw you walk and get into the car.” In a polite manner, Kirsten responds to the man’s ill-mannered query with, “I have, um, an autonomic nervous system disorder–” Oddly, however, the man mishears what Kirsten has explained, and believes that she has said that she has an automobile. Interjecting, he says, “You have an automobile? Obviously, you have an automobile.”
“No, um, an autonomic nervous system disorder. I have POTS so I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user. So my legs–” Again, the man misinterprets what Kirsten has explained, and instead believes that she has told him that she smokes pot, another word for marihuana. He interrupts her explanation again with, “I can’t help the fact that you smoke pot and you’re confused that you can’t walk.”
Getting increasingly frustrated by his lack of listening skills and lack of understanding, Kirsten attempts to explain, “No, I don’t smoke pot. I just. My legs do work, yeah. But, um, if I walk for too long, I faint, so that’s why I use the wheelchair.” Having explained her situation clearly, however, this doesn’t seem to placate the man who accuses her of faking her disability. “Yeah, sure. You’re probably just one of those fakers.” he fires back. “You obviously can walk. You don’t need a wheelchair. You’re probably just faking, trying to get disability. You people anger me. This is a bunch of bullish*t. You people. Can’t stand you. You fakers, total fakers.“
At a loss for words at the man’s rude attitude, Kirsten simply replies, “Okay, okay.” before glancing at the camera in total shock, as the clip comes to an end.
Due to the awkward and disrespectful nature of the interaction, social media users came rushing to the defense of the Ohio influencer. One TikTok commenter wrote, “what the actual f*ck” with another chiming in with, “America seems so stressful. So glad I don’t have to live there.” Others, meanwhile, found the man’s lack of listening skills amusing, expressing, “stop i’m crying you said POTS and he heard “pot” 😭😭😭” A fourth user joked, “is this a southpark episode“
For those unaware, the Mayo Clinic defines POTS as:
Postural tachycardia syndrome affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. In postural tachycardia syndrome, the nerves that regulate blood flow are out of balance, so enough blood doesn’t go to the right place at the right time. The result is a variety of symptoms, including an overly rapid heartbeat when shifting from lying down to standing up.
The Mayo Clinic
Ultimately, this clip serves as a timely reminder of the complexities surrounding chronic illnesses and the need for greater understanding and empathy for those who’re struggling with health issues beyond their control.
