Actor Janus del Prado publicly addressed Awra Briguela following backlash over the young star’s recent graduation from the University of the East.
ABS-CBN’s congratulatory post used feminine pronouns for Awra, drawing criticism from some netizens, including blogger Jack Argota who referred to Awra as “bro.”
In response, Awra’s Facebook page admin mocked Argota’s disability, which generated mixed reactions from netizens.
Del Prado criticized Awra’s admin’s reaction, saying it reflects poorly on the LGBTQ+ community.
“You are doing too much to the point that you are hurting the gay community,” he wrote in an open letter on Facebook warning that it fuels backlash and undermines the struggles of others.
He added, “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.”
Del Prado also questioned the influence of Western gender ideologies and urged younger LGBTQ+ members to listen to older voices like Ricky Reyes. Awra has yet to respond.
