Esta publicación también está disponible en:
Photos by Poncho Davalos
LGBTQ+ community leaders from across Mexico were recognized Friday night, July 31, 2026, during the third annual Voices of Pride awards ceremony, held for the first time outside Mexico City as part of Latin Fest: Diversity Week in Puerto Vallarta. Four of those activists received a custom-designed award created by jewelry designer Delia González, along with a cash prize of 50,000 pesos.
Hosted by actress Valeria Vera and activist Samuel del Río Félix at Demósfera, the event celebrated individuals whose work has advanced visibility, social responsibility, social impact and lifetime achievement within Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community.
Carlos Plascencia, Puerto Vallarta’s deputy director of Sexual Diversity, welcomed attendees and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to inclusion and equality.
This year’s winners were:
- Voice of Pride to Visibility: Juan Carlos Rodríguez Robles, known as “Meño Candora”
Juan Carlos Rodríguez Robles, known as “Meño Candora,” received the Voice of Pride to Visibility award. A lifelong Puerto Vallarta resident from El Pitillal, Rodríguez Robles has spent years promoting LGBTQ+ visibility through community service, cultural projects and civic engagement. - Voice of Pride to Social Responsibility: Maky Karolyna
Maky Karolyna was honored with the Voice of Pride to Social Responsibility award in recognition of her community service and commitment to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people through advocacy and social initiatives. Her work has focused on creating safer, more inclusive spaces and supporting vulnerable members of the community. - Voice of Pride to Social Impact: Panche Ville (“Gatoquepinta”)
The Voice of Pride to Social Impact award went to Panche Ville, known online as Gatoquepinta, for using art, digital media and public engagement to inspire conversations about diversity, equality and LGBTQ+ rights. His work has reached audiences throughout Mexico and beyond. - Voice of Pride for Lifetime Achievement: Jaime Cobián Zamora
Jaime Cobián Zamora received the Voice of Pride for Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of more than four decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy in Jalisco. Based in Guadalajara, Cobián is the founder and president of Códise A.C., an organization that promotes HIV prevention, sexual health and LGBTQ+ human rights. He is also director of the Museo Memoria LGBTIQ+ in Guadalajara and has authored books documenting LGBTQ+ history in Mexico.
The ceremony also honored two figures from Mexico’s entertainment industry. Acclaimed actress and theater performer Lolita Cortés received the Voice of Pride for Artistic Career 2026 award in recognition of her longstanding support of the LGBTQ+ community and her contributions to Mexican performing arts. Actress and singer Gala Montes received the Voice of Pride for Artistic Revelation 2026 award, recognizing her rising career and growing influence with LGBTQ+ audiences.
A posthumous tribute honored Puerto Vallarta activist Paco Ruiz, recognizing his role in helping establish the city as one of Mexico’s leading LGBTQ+ destinations.
Prior to the awards ceremony, organizers hosted a panel discussion featuring nominees and community leaders to discuss LGBTQ+ visibility, activism and advocacy in Mexico. The conversation concluded with a performance of Valiente by Valeria Vera.
Entertainment throughout the evening included performances by Tanya Valenzuela from Grinder, the Musical; Liza Zan Zuzzi; Raquel Martínez and Ava Pocket performing selections from Chicago; Adrián Cué; Choche Spears; Luis Rivas; and drag artists Garçonne, Ignus Ars, Ariel The Top, Candela Yeye and Unique.
The evening also included an In Memoriam segment honoring members of Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community who died during the past year.
Produced by Pink Box in partnership with Escándala, the awards were presented as part of Latin Fest Diversity Week, which brought concerts, performances and community events to Puerto Vallarta from July 30 through Aug. 1.
Esta publicación también está disponible en:
