Awra Briguela meets with UDM president after prof’s transphobic remark

Awra Briguela had a meeting with the president of Universidad De Manila (UDM) after she took action against the university professor who made a transphobic remark about her.

Briguela earlier called out a faculty member of the educational institution, who described the actress as a woman with male genitalia in a social media comment. After she spoke about the incident on her social media page, Briguela said several individuals came forward and claimed similar incidents involving the teacher.

“I chose to speak up and take action because what happened was not just a simple misunderstanding. It was discrimination, and staying silent about it would only allow this kind of behavior to continue,” Briguela stated on her Facebook page on Tuesday, May 19, showing photos of her with UDM President Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria and two more individuals.

“I wanted accountability, not only for myself, but also for every student who has experienced the same treatment, or even worse, and felt too afraid to speak out,” she continued. “No student should ever feel humiliated, invalidated, or discriminated against inside an institution that is supposed to be a safe space for learning and growth.”

She then expressed her gratitude to Carlos-Tria as well as the Youth Development and Welfare Bureau of the City of Manila for acknowledging the matter and extending help. 

“I also want to thank the School President of Universidad de Manila for taking this matter seriously and allowing conversations about accountability and inclusivity to happen,” she said.

“This step was never about creating drama or conflict. It was about standing up for myself, my dignity, and for those who still do not have the courage, platform, or voice to defend themselves,” she stressed.

Concluding her message, Briguela further urged the students who have experienced similar situations to speak up.

“The President is all ears and willing to listen to every student who seeks justice, accountability, and a safe environment within the university,” she added, referring to Carlos-Tria. /edv