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Photos by Victor Lara
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a tropical paradise—it’s a heartbeat. A rhythm of color, laughter, advocacy, and bold, beautiful queerness. It’s a place where identities don’t just survive, they thrive. And in this kaleidoscope of culture and community, two powerhouse women are leading the way, each with their own story, their own style, and their own impact.
This edition, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on two women whose journeys couldn’t be more different, yet whose spirits align in strength, compassion, and unapologetic authenticity.
Paulina Gonzalez Mondragon: Curating Excellence with Every Stay
Born in Guadalajara, Paulina Gonzalez Mondragon knew from a young age that art, culture, and beauty would shape her future. As a child, she imagined a life immersed in history and creativity—dreaming of being a historian, anthropologist, or curator. But fate, as it tends to do, had other plans.
Paulina’s heart, however, found its true compass during her teenage years. It was in high school that she felt the first spark—an electric connection with her Spanish teacher. At the time, lesbian identity wasn’t even part of her vocabulary, but the feeling was unforgettable. Years later, at 18, she met another woman and that familiar spark returned—this time with clarity, certainty, and joy. It was the beginning of a love story with herself and her truth.
“Thanks to my parents, I was fortunate to travel a lot as a kid,” she recalls. “I always wondered how hotels and restaurants worked behind the scenes. It fascinated me.” Paulina’s professional path took her into the world of tourism.
Today, that fascination has turned into a full-fledged career at the prestigious Casa Karma, one of Puerto Vallarta’s premier private villas, where she serves as a manager—and more importantly, as a leader.
She holds degrees in Tourism Business Management and Cultural Management, and though her Culinary Arts degree was interrupted by COVID, Paulina never stopped learning. From butler training to wine expertise, she’s leveling up in every possible way to bring unmatched luxury and care to her guests.
“Every Guest, each person we serve is unique. The formula is never the same and that keeps me constantly learning,” she says. “My work inspires me to be a better person and to be better at what I do. It inspires me to constantly improve.”
Paulina’s motivation isn’t just professional—it’s personal. “I moved to Vallarta because of a girl,” she laughs. “But in the end, Vallarta stole my heart.” Now 11 years into her life here, she calls this town home, even if she’s more of a mountain girl than a beach babe.
Paulina is also working with a group of women to promote lesbian-owned businesses in Vallarta and launching a sustainable clothing project later this year. Fashion should be fun, responsible and “avoid fast fashion,” she adds.
When asked what advice she’d pass along to other queer women, her answer is clear and strong: “Be yourself. Be honest. Be proud. As Frida Kahlo said: fall in love with yourself, with life, and then with whoever you want.”
Lydia Damato: The Quiet Powerhouse with a Big Heart and Loves to Laugh
If you’ve ever attended charity bingo at Nacho Daddy’s or rescued an animal in Vallarta, chances are you’ve encountered Lydia Damato—or at least felt the impact of her work.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Lydia was raised in a hardworking blue-collar family that showed her how to live richly—even without money.
“We may have been considered poor,” she says, “but we never knew it. We were rich in love and values.”
As a child, Lydia dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, and though she ended up spending 19 years in operations at Bloomingdale’s, her passion for animals never waned.
“In the end, I have been able to be a dominant supporter in the animal rescue world” she says proudly.
She has helped animals in other ways. For 18 years, she’s been a force in the local rescue community, coordinating spay and neuter clinics and advocating fiercely for animal rights.
Lydia first felt her attraction to women in first grade. Her teacher, with her beehive hairdo and timeless poise, left an impression.
“I didn’t know what it was at the time, but I knew I wanted to marry Maria from The Sound of Music,” she chuckles.
In 2003, she visited Puerto Vallarta with her partner and fell in love—not just with each other, but with the city. Two years later, they made the leap, moving down from New Jersey and opening the legendary Uncommon Grounds Buddha Lounge.
Set in a remote neighborhood at the edge of the Rio Cuale and Sierra Madre Mountains, it was a bold move—two American women creating a destination restaurant centered on Buddhist teachings.
“We weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms,” Lydia admits. “But we earned our place with perseverance and respect.”
Ten years later, Uncommon Grounds had become a cherished community space, known for its vibe as much as its values.
Though retired from the lounge, Lydia never slowed down. Today, she’s deeply involved in several community efforts:
- Schedule Coordinator for Colina Free Spay & Neuter Clinic
- Charity Bingo host at Nacho Daddy
- Volunteer with Art Vallarta Museo
- Supporter of the local entertainment scene
- “Captain Lydia” for Gouda Gabor’s Open Mic at Nacho Daddy
When asked what keeps her going, Lydia says simply, “I am a firm believer in coexistence and doing right by others. Especially animals—they don’t have a voice, so I try to be one.”
Her advice to younger LGBTQ+ folks?
“Stay your course and to thine own self be true. The rest will follow.”
So What Makes a Leading Lesbian?
There’s no single mold or manual. One might wear chef’s whites; the other, a rescue T-shirt. One may be a hotelier, the other a community emcee. But both Lydia and Paulina are united in their love—for this town, for their work, for the LGBTQ+ community, and most importantly, for themselves.
They remind us that leadership doesn’t always mean speaking the loudest or standing on the biggest stage. Sometimes it means staying true to your values, showing up for your neighbors, and creating spaces where others feel seen and safe.
Puerto Vallarta is lucky to have them. And so are we.
Know a Leading Lesbian we should feature next? Drop us a line—because this town is full of stories worth telling.
This article is from our Fall 2025 print issue. You can view it here.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
