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The Puerto Vallarta City Council approved a reform Thursday to the Puerto Vallarta Award, the highest distinction granted by the municipality, adding a recognition named for Paco Ruiz for individuals and organizations distinguished in the promotion and defense of LGBTQ+ rights.
The proposal originated from the 10 diversity commitments promoted by Red Diversidad Vallarta and signed May 17, 2024, and was later formally presented to the council by council member Melissa Madero Plascencia, with participation from Movimiento por la Igualdad en México (MOVii) during the review and drafting process.
Under its regulations, the Puerto Vallarta Award is the highest municipal distinction granted by the council. Until now, Article 17 established nine categories recognizing achievements in fields including education, culture, social assistance, the arts, tourism promotion, the environment, sports and business development.
With Thursday’s approved reform, Article 17 of the Regulations for Granting the Puerto Vallarta Award in All Its Categories was amended to add a tenth category, called the Puerto Vallarta Paco Ruiz Award, for individuals or organizations distinguished in the promotion and defense of LGBTQ+ community rights.
The measure was approved during item 7.3 of the council session with 16 votes in favor, zero against and zero abstentions, both in general and in its specific provisions.
For Víctor Espíndola of MOVii, the reform marks another step in recognizing the community. It’s one more step toward honoring our history and those who paved the way, Espíndola said.
With the decision, defense of LGBTQ+ rights becomes permanently incorporated among the merits recognized by the Puerto Vallarta Award, while Paco Ruiz’s name and legacy become linked to the municipality’s highest honor.
Ruiz was among the pioneers of Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ community and a key figure in defending its rights and building the city as a space of visibility and freedom for sexual diversity.
The reform takes effect the day after its publication in the Puerto Vallarta Municipal Gazette.
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