Vallarta a world leader in the fight against homophobia

In an official ceremony for the National Day of Fight Against Homophobia, the mayor said that it is an inclusive destination * LGTB community recognizes him as its ambassador for inclusive public policies
"It's time to end violence, intolerance and lack of love for others, because our rights are universal no matter who you are or who you love," said municipal president Arturo Dávalos Peña, during the commemoration of the National Day of Struggle Against Homophobia.

Accompanied by his wife Candelaria Tovar de Dávalos, president of the DIF System and representatives of LGBT organizations, the first mayor stressed that Puerto Vallarta is recognized internationally as the second most important beach destination for the gay community, after Tel Aviv, Israel , distinctive that is fundamental because it means economic income, more tourism, more employment and, above all, that this place belongs to all and for all.

"In this paradise, the times of homophobia are being forgotten, it is a new era. Personally, I had the honorable opportunity to officiate the civil union of the first two same-sex couples in our city and to participate along with my wife and collaborators in the march of pride for two years. "

He indicated that Puerto Vallarta is today a world leader in the fight against homophobia, and is considered a model city on various issues, such as economic prosperity, the promotion of LGBT tourism, respect for human rights and making visible the problem by making decisions to eradicate it.

Dávalos Peña recalled that in 2017, he inaugurated the Office of Gender Equality, to provide attention and tourist orientation to social diversity, in the Lázaro Cárdenas park, adding that this year the project will be resumed in order to broaden and strengthen it, so that already it gave instructions so that said office happens to the control of the Direction of Social Development, to follow advanced "in the construction of an inclusive, plural and diverse city".

He added that one of the most recent achievements is that through teamwork, the LGBT Trade and Tourism Association, chaired by Miguel Meza Peña, will build two police modules in this park, to have greater vigilance 24 hours a day. , with bilingual staff and properly trained, that is clear the role of serving with passion, respect and responsibility.

The mayor thanked the LGBT community for having chosen him as their local ambassador, which he said he was proud of that trust, which has enabled the team to join forces and align objectives. "I am a municipal president who works for all and for all," he said.

He confirmed his commitment to continue strengthening Puerto Vallarta as an inclusive destination, in which there is equality and non-discrimination, where the human rights of all are respected and the welfare of its people is promoted.

Héctor Gabriel Ramírez Betancourt, LGBT Colectivo Vallarta coordinator and Vidal Meza Peña, president of the LGBT Trade and Tourism Association, thanked the mayor for the support provided to the LGBT community in all their concerns and demands.

In the framework of this commemoration, acknowledgments were given to Ed Thomas, founder of the association that bears his name (SETAC), recognized worldwide by the WHO; Francisco Arjona, director of the association Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA A.C, and director of SETAC; William Hevener, for his tireless work as promoter of Puerto Vallarta as an inclusive destination for the LGBT community and tourism, and main promoter and organizer of Vallarta Pride.

Likewise, Paul Crist, founder of the association Vallarta Enfrenta el Sida AC, for being one of the promoters and promoters of prevention and support programs against AIDS, and Héctor Ramírez Betancourt, for his tireless struggle and social and political activism in favor of the LGBT community.

They were also Víctor Manuel Bernal Vargas, director of Social Development; Misael López Muro, director of Citizen Security, and Norma Angélica Joya Carrillo, president of the building commission for Gender Equality and Human Integral Development, as well as councilors of the City Council.

https://contralinea.net/vallarta-referente-mundial-en-el-combate-a-la-homofobia-davalos/