Puerto Vallarta launches its inaugural Council for Sexual and Gender Diversity with support from Mayor Luis Munguía González, aiming to strengthen LGBTIQ+ inclusion, influence public policies, and propose new health and education initiatives.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - May 17, 2025. In a landmark move to strengthen inclusion and social justice, the municipal government of Puerto Vallarta, under Mayor Luis Munguía González, has launched the city’s first Council for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Unveiled during the National and International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, the council is charged with formally representing LGBTIQ+ voices and advising on public policy to promote equality across the region.
The citizen council is composed of publicly elected representatives drawn from diverse sectors of the LGBTIQ+ community, including activism, culture, health, youth engagement, and human rights advocacy. At its inaugural session, Sandra Janeth González Govea was named council president. González Govea will coordinate working groups tasked with crafting policy proposals that respond directly to the needs of Puerto Vallarta’s varied populations.
One of the council’s first initiatives is the establishment of an advisory body on health and comprehensive sexuality education. This specialized committee will focus on critical issues such as teenage pregnancy prevention, HIV awareness and treatment, and the integration of sexuality education within schools—all approached from a human-rights perspective. By embedding expert input into municipal programs, the council aims to reduce health disparities and foster a culture of respect and informed consent.
The business community also featured prominently in the launch event. City leaders called on local employers to adopt policies that respect gender identity and expression in the workplace, including inclusive hiring practices, anti-discrimination training, and the provision of gender-neutral facilities. “A truly diverse city is one where everyone can bring their full selves to work without fear of prejudice,” said Mayor Munguía González, urging companies to join the effort.
Recognizing the vulnerability of some LGBTIQ+ individuals, the council proposed creating a dedicated shelter in partnership with Casa de las Muñecas Tiresias AC. This facility would offer safe housing, counseling services, and legal support to those facing homelessness or violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Casa de las Muñecas Tiresias AC has long provided resources for transgender and gender-diverse people, and its collaboration ensures that the shelter will meet the community’s specific needs.
Civil society groups and local activists have welcomed the council as a vital step forward. “This is the first time our voices will have a direct line to the policy-makers in City Hall,” remarked one community organizer. “It signals that Puerto Vallarta is serious about moving beyond tolerance toward genuine inclusion.”
Puerto Vallarta joins a growing number of Mexican municipalities formalizing LGBTIQ+ representation in government. By institutionalizing dialogue and expert advice, the city hopes to set a model for other regions in Jalisco and beyond. As the council begins its work, attention will turn to the specific policy recommendations it produces over the coming months—from education reform to public health campaigns—ensuring that Puerto Vallarta remains a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
