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Puerto Vallarta has consistently been recognized for its safety, ranking among the top five safest cities in Mexico, according to the National Urban Public Safety Survey (ENSU) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) in October 2024. This positive perception is a testament to the collaborative efforts of state, federal, and municipal governments in ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors.
Despite these commendable rankings, recent community discussions have highlighted specific concerns regarding interactions between local law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community that have gone viral online in Vallarta’s important forum for visitors and locals alike www.facebook.com/groups/vallartagays.
On March 13, 2025, a pivotal meeting was convened in Puerto Vallarta, bringing together key figures such as Chief Eduardo Horacio Llanas Cuevas of the municipal police, Regidora Melissa Madero, and community leaders including Don Pickens of Casa Cupula and the Vallarta Gay+ Community Group. The primary objective was to address reports of police misconduct and to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.
The meeting commenced with an informal address by Commandante Llanas, who emphasized his commitment to listening to public concerns and encouraged attendees to voice their questions and experiences. This set the tone for a candid exchange between law enforcement representatives and community members.
Javier Jimenez played a crucial role in organizing the event, aiming to bridge communication between the public and local authorities, especially in light of the newly approved government-funded Pride initiatives. His efforts underscored the community’s desire for transparency and collaboration with municipal leaders.
Don Pickens expressed concerns over a decline in business – as much as 10 percent, attributing it to the current economic climate and some of it to safety perceptions among tourists. He highlighted challenges in establishing direct communication with law enforcement and advocated for the formation of a dedicated committee to monitor and address complaints of police misconduct. Collaborating with figures like Victor Espindola from Movii and Poncho Davalos, Don emphasized the importance of a unified approach to these issues.
Victor Espindola shared personal accounts of disproportionate police responses, including an incident where he was detained by four police units. He stressed the need for continued implementation of previously discussed protocols and strategies, emphasizing that the community should not face excessive force or intimidation.
Key proposals from the community included:
• LGBTQ+ Sensitivity Training for Police Units: Implementing comprehensive training programs to ensure officers understand and respect LGBTQ+ issues.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating both the public and law enforcement about legal rights and responsibilities to foster mutual understanding and co-responsibility.
• Establishment of a ‘Rainbow Patrol’: Creating a specialized LGBTQ+ unit within the police force, staffed by officers familiar with community-specific challenges, to handle related incidents more effectively.
• Staffing of the Lázaro Cárdenas Park Police Station: Ensuring this station is adequately staffed, as previously funded, to enhance community safety.
In response, Commandante Llanas acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the importance of filing formal complaints to initiate investigations. However, attendees expressed skepticism, citing past experiences where follow-ups were lacking or non-existent.
Representatives from The Tryst Hotel discussed an incident where a pool brunch party was disrupted by multiple police officers, all lacking proper identification and warrants. This led to guests feeling unsafe and choosing to leave, highlighting concerns over potential abuse of authority.
Sebastian, a 19-year-old transgender community member, highlighted the lack of sensitivity training among police, leading to frequent harassment of drag performers and LGBTQ+ individuals, especially during late hours.
While Commandante Llanas asserted that Puerto Vallarta remains one of the safest cities in Mexico, attendees emphasized the need for actionable solutions to the issues raised. Concerns were also voiced about the difficulty in identifying officers, especially those operating without proper identification, and the perceived lack of follow-through on filed reports.
To facilitate ongoing dialogue and action, attendees were encouraged to document incidents with details such as photos, date, time, and location, and to utilize a designated email for filing complaints.
A subsequent meeting is planned to develop concrete action items, and a WhatsApp group, organized by Carlos Plancencia, will serve as a platform for continuous communication.
This meeting marks a step towards strengthening the relationship between Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ community and local law enforcement, aiming to ensure safety, respect, and inclusivity for all residents and visitors.
The meeting was broadcast live by Jet De La Isla, a business entrepreneur and board member of the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center. The recording is accessible here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BbxRYA9KZ
Puerto Vallarta’s commitment to safety and inclusivity continues to be a priority, reflecting the city’s dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for all.
For inquiries on participating in or supporting the safety committee initiatives, or to seek assistance regarding any incidents, please contact the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center at info@vallartagaycc.org.
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