The University of the East–Manila student council denounced the recent gender discrimination against Awra Briguela for wearing a girl’s uniform.
In their recently released solidarity statement, the University Student Council defended the actress-comedian from the backlash she received after sharing a short clip of her wearing UE’s female uniform.
“UE is committed to fostering an inclusive atmosphere, where LGBTQIA+ members are respected, and students are permitted to wear opposite sex attire of their choice and uniforms, provided they have approval from the Student Affairs Office (SAO),” they wrote.
They noted that while others may not have been aware of this policy, it still does not justify hateful comments regarding someone's “appearance, gender identity, or self-expression.”
The student council stressed that they and the other student organizations concerned “will not tolerate such discrimination.”
“We remain steadfast in our mission to create a safer, more inclusive space for all UE warriors, regardless of gender. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where every student feels valued and free to express themselves without fear of judgment or harassment,” they added, stressing the importance of actively confronting discriminatory behaviors and raising awareness about respect and inclusivity.
This came a week after the Comedy Island star received discriminatory remarks due to her gender identity.
“I have no issues [with you] being gay. But, you should wear a proper uniform according to your sexuality. Just saying. No prejudice,” an Instagram user wrote.
“Are you not ashamed wearing girl‘s uniform?? Knowing that you’re not a real woman? A living example of well educated but not totally mannered,” another one commented.
Others, meanwhile, showed support, with one Instagram user saying, "Non sectarian and Ue. So normal yun. Ue alumni here. Students have [the] liberty to dress [in] any uniform you prefer (as long as) you have the school's color. It's been decades like this. love love."
Awra shared the statement on her Instagram account, followed by a video of herself looking emotional in a car. She added a prayer and a red heart emojis.
In 2020, Awra shared a letter to herself reflecting on her journey in high school while working.
"Sobrang bilis lang ng panahon, nag umpisa ako mga artista taong 2016 and yes!! never akong tumigil sa pag aaral kahit sobrang hirap pag sabayin ng pag-aaral at pag-tatrabaho, hindi naging madali kase nakakapagod pero kinaya ko kase gusto ko," she wrote.
Awra mentioned that she felt discouraged and overwhelmed by challenges, leading to moments of doubt.
She continued: “Maraming beses akong nawalan ng gana kase sobrang nakakapagod nga at maraming naging problema pero sabi ko sa sarili ko hindi pwede!! kailangan kong kayanin kailangan kong malagpasan!! sobrang dami kong pinagdaan sa 4yrs kong pag-aartista at pagiging studyante, pero kahit anong pagod at hirap ang pinagdaanan ko kinaya ko kase nag enjoy lang ako!!!”
