On February 24, 2026, the Puerto Vallarta City Council approved landmark structural reforms to formally establish and regulate the Municipal Council for Sexual and Gender Diversity. This move transforms LGBTQ+ advocacy from a series of political promises into a permanent legal right. By institutionalizing this advisory body, the city ensures that representatives from organized civil society can directly propose and monitor public policies through a human rights lens, regardless of changes in the local administration.
A key highlight of the new legislation is the creation of an annual Diversity Cabildo (open council meeting) to be held every May 17. This date coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This recurring forum provides a regulated platform for the LGBTQ+ community to present proposals and concerns directly to city officials, bridging the gap between government authorities and the citizens they serve.
The reforms, championed by Councilors Christian Bravo and Víctor Bernal, also establish clear rules for how the Diversity Council will operate alongside departments like Health, Education, and Tourism. According to Carlos Plascencia, Deputy Director of Sexual Diversity, these measures provide “legal certainty” and reinforce Puerto Vallarta’s status as a progressive, safe destination. This structural step ensures that inclusion remains a fundamental pillar of the city’s governance and public life.
Source: Banderas News
