In full celebration of gay pride (Vallarta Pride) in Puerto Vallarta, a commander of the municipality’s police was suspended from his duties for reports of alleged acts of homophobia and transphobia, according to Mayor Arturo Dávalos Peña.
Commander Elio (V) was removed from his duties until further notice, after arresting and mocking a transgender woman named Lorena Amor Barajas.
Questioned on this matter, Dávalos Peña offered a public apology to Lorena Amor, a renowned Vallarta stylist and member of the Canaco Puerto Vallarta.
“I ask Lorena Amor on behalf of the municipality, obviously on behalf of my position as municipal president an apology,” said Dávalos Peña, adding that in the municipality of Puerto Vallarta has worked in respect for human rights to the community LGBT”.
“The commander is relieved from his position while the investigations are being carried out for the corresponding sanctions” explained Dávalos Peña, who added that in response, the commissioner Misael López Muro has met with the aggrieved to endorse respect for the LGBT community.
It was through her social networks that Lorena Amor Barajas made a publication accusing Commander Elio of having arbitrarily detained her, after committing acts of homophobia and transphobia towards her.
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“The 336th patrol, led by Commander Elio who approached me for no reason, only arguing that it was a routine review requesting that I identify myself, but referring to my person as a man, for which my reaction was one of surprise and annoyance and yet I asked the security element in the most attentive way, to be respectful towards me, assuring him and showing him that I am legally Lorena Amor Barajas Espinoza, but he mocked me, and I asked him why he treated me with homophobia and as a vile delinquent, to which he answered that for him, I was a man.”
Subsequently, the woman was handcuffed and taken to the police unit, where they paraded her around Puerto Vallarta for a period of one hour before taking her to the police station.
“With this I realize that anyone is exposed to acts of homophobia and transphobia, no one is exempt, no matter how seen, as you see, as you speak, it is about respect and education, that is what many lack in our public security elements. With this I appeal to our authorities and friends that there is still much work to be done to make this the port we want, “concludes Lorena Amor in her publication.