PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – In the serene ambiance of the Municipal Presidency’s exterior hallway, the Movement for Equality in Mexico (MOVii) has established a poignant Altar of the Dead, paying homage to trailblazers who have ardently championed inclusivity and justice.
This sacred space is perfumed with the essence of cempasuchil flowers(marigolds), believed to guide wandering souls back to their loved ones. Flickering candles imbue the area with a luminous tribute to the enduring spirit of the deceased, while traditional offerings ensure their spiritual sustenance during this time of celestial reunion.
The altar venerates local and international figures alike, including Michel Castro, a symbol of joy and relentless spirit, who tragically fell victim to a hate crime post-Vallarta Pride in 2023. His mother, Basilia Guizar, recalls him as a beacon for justice and equality, his memory now echoing through the community.
Paco Ruiz, another honoree, is lauded for pioneering one of Puerto Vallarta’s initial safe havens for the LGBT+ community in the late 1980s. His niece, Lily Aceves, reflects on his legacy as a testament to the power of love and communal support.
The tribute extends to Mary Antoinette Beltrán Mallén, an unwavering advocate for the gay community. Her son, Víctor Balam, remembers her as a guiding force that championed love and acceptance beyond societal labels.
Jonathan Santos, a life cut short in 2020, is also memorialized. At just 18, his untimely demise in Jalisco is a stark reminder of the relentless stigma and discrimination faced by many. Ivan Tagle, director of the organization Yaaj, highlights Jonathan’s memory as a catalyst for sustained calls for justice and the pursuit of an egalitarian future.
The remembrance includes Jimmy González, whose brother Saulo recalls his emanation of unconditional love and his lasting impact on Puerto Vallarta through his joy, passion, and friendship.
The altar transcends local bounds to honor national and international LGBTIQ+ icons such as Juan Gabriel, whose music and lyrics courageously defied norms, and Frida Kahlo, whose artistry confronted the intricacies of identity and the human condition. Chavela Vargas, celebrated for her passionate defiance of stereotypes, is also recognized for her impactful representation of the lesbian community.
Coordinator of MOVii, Víctor Espíndola, regards the altar not merely as a commemorative gesture but as a vow to persevere in the fight for a society that embraces diversity and champions equality. “Each personality we honor amplifies the imperative to keep their memory alive and to jointly strive for an all-embracing future,” he asserts.
The altar, a temporal yet significant fixture, will be accessible for public viewing and reflection until November 6. It stands as an open invitation for all to contemplate the significance of celebrating and honoring those who have valiantly laid the groundwork for equality and diversity in Puerto Vallarta and beyond.
