Esta publicación también está disponible en:
The first Diversity Council (Cabildo de la Diversidad) of Puerto Vallarta held its final session on April 30, 2026, presenting its annual activities report before passing the torch to the second generation of this citizen participation body. The new members will be sworn in on May 17, 2026, coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
Alan Yamil, secretary of the first Council, welcomed attendees and highlighted that since its founding in May 2025, the Diversity Council has served as a mechanism for political and social advocacy, channeling proposals that benefit the LGBTQI+ community to municipal authorities. These include public policies in areas such as comprehensive health, STI prevention, sports, culture, and human rights to guarantee non-discrimination and the well-being of vulnerable populations.
Víctor Espíndola explained that the 20 members of the first Council, selected through a public call, presented 20 initiatives. Two of these gained support from local city councilors, who brought them to the plenary session where they were officially approved. Another four initiatives are currently in the committee process, and eight were formalized as political agreements/commitments with municipal authorities to ensure their continuity.
Approved Initiatives
The two initiatives approved in the plenary session represent a milestone for the city’s LGBTQI+ community:
- Council Permanence: Presented by Víctor Espíndola, this initiative made the existence and continuity of the Diversity Council mandatory within the Citizen Participation Regulations.
- The “I” Distinction: Presented by Armando Sánchez, this involves creating the “I” (Inclusion) distinction for local businesses that commit to and implement inclusive actions through a reform of the Tourism Regulations.
Other highlights from this year included an inclusive volleyball tournament at Playa Camarones, participation in Pride marches in Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, public health campaigns, and environmental actions such as planting 180 trees.
Looking ahead, several pending challenges remain on the Council’s agenda, including the approval of the Municipal Council for the Prevention and Response to HIV-AIDS (COPRESIDA), the management of a transgender shelter, a home for LGBTQI+ older people, and improved care for people with disabilities.
Carlos Plascencia, director of the Sexual Diversity Office, who was a member of the Council before resigning to take on his current role, congratulated the members of the first Council for their hard work. He concluded by expressing the full support of his department for the incoming Council members, who will begin their duties on May 17.
For more information about the Puerto Vallarta Diversity Council, you can follow their Facebook page.
Esta publicación también está disponible en:
