Actor Janus del Prado has publicly slammed Awra Briguela following her Instagram Story that emphasized the importance of using correct pronouns, calling out what he described as “entitlement” and claiming her actions are damaging the gay community.
Briguela, who uses she/her pronouns, shared a message on July 16 urging followers to respect people’s gender identities. But del Prado, in a Facebook post dated July 19, criticized her stance, accusing her of turning public sentiment against the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Awra. You are doing too much to the point that you are hurting the gay community. People are starting to turn against the entire gay community because of this kind of entitlement. Nadadamay sila sa bashing,” he wrote.
The Ang Probinsyano actor further argued that Briguela’s advocacy was diminishing the visibility and struggles of biological women, and downplayed the relevance of gender identity discussions in the Philippines, attributing them to Western influences.
“Stop acting like you are being oppressed because you are not. Nakigaya lang naman tayo sa pauso ng US and other western countries about the gender alphabet and neo pronouns,” he said.
Del Prado continued by warning about the supposed negative outcomes of such ideologies in Western societies. “They are suffering the consequences and starting to reject the whole ideology. It even destroyed Hollywood, Sports, and their Education System. Balik na sila sa two gender policy.”
He clarified that he doesn’t object to Briguela choosing to identify as she/her but expressed frustration over what he sees as forced conformity.
“If you want to call yourself a ‘She’ or a ‘Her,’ then go, live, and enjoy your life the way you want to. No one’s stopping you. Just don’t expect and force everyone else to play along,” he added.
Del Prado concluded his statement with an appeal to the LGBTQIA+ community, asking members to hold each other accountable: “Please speak up pag wala na sa hulog yung ginagawa ng miyembro ng kumunidad niyo. Don’t be an enabler just because they are a part of your group.”
As of this writing, Briguela has not issued a public response to del Prado’s remarks. Recently, she celebrated her senior high school graduation from the University of the East, marking a personal milestone after earlier challenges with her education.
