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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 1
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 2
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 1
The
NAKED
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IS THAT THEY
WILL BLO W AWAY WI TH Stron YOU gd & gr
Puerto
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HAPPIEST
HAPPY HOUR!
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Francisca Rodríguez 136, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 3
EDITORIAL
Pride
Collect our
PRIDE - This word has been with our community for a long time - at least since the early 1970s as the LGBTQ community began expressing their feelings in multiple ways across the world.
covers!
Pride is part of a movement that cannot be stopped. It is solidarity. And that is what we need to rescue, learn and carry out in our daily actions. Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place where we can all live together. Every year the community takes to the streets to express that Pride. This year we encourage you to do more than going out dancing with the best look. Take a moment to reflect and continue to demand our rights. Many of the younger generations of queer people have grown up without knowing of the past fights for our rights. But past generations know that the right to walk down the street with colors and rainbows is something they have earned, something they have fought hard for. It should not be taken for granted. As O&APV presents this special edition, “Summer of Pride”, we offer a complete overview of pride events taking place - from the traditional parade, the parties in the streets of Zona Romantica, the second edition of 'Nuestro Orgullo' festival, lesbian pride and bear pride. We are also proud to present three different covers that reflect different aspects of pride. Enjoy!
Salvador Dominguez Editor
EQUIPO Publicista y Socio Propietario
CONTENT
Jerry Jones Jerry@outandaboutpv.com Publicista Asociado y Socio Propietario
Benjamín Camarena García Benjamin@outandaboutpv.com Editor
Salvador Dominguez salvador@outandaboutpv.com Ventas y Relaciones Públicas
Gerwin Rutten Gerwin@outandaboutpv.com Diseño Gráfico y Publicitario
Marco Encinas direccion@marcoencinas.com Portada
Modelos: On Mekahel y su esposo Dave Fotografia de Chris Martin Modelo: Jason Dottley Modelos: Javier Reyes (@javo_kings) y Hector Morales (@hectormorales7358) Fotografia de Javier Reyes
ACERCA DE NOSOTROS Out & About PV es una publicación de O&APV, S. de R.L de C.V. Publicación trimestral gratuita de Puerto Vallarta con contenido LGBT de Puerto Vallarta y áreas colindantes. Out & About PV es un estilo de vida enfocado a información de viaje, eventos, negocios y noticias locales para LGBT. O&APV es gratuita, y distribuida en Puerto Vallarta, disponible en línea en todo el mundo en Outandaboutpv.com
Javier Reyes Chris Martin
OPORTUNIDADES Out & About PV, S. de R.L de C.V. admite escritores, fotógrafos y videógrafos voluntarios durante todo el año. Si estás interesado en contribuir a nuestra publicación, envía un correo electrónico a editor@ outandaboutpv.com, con currículum, información de contacto y muestras de tu trabajo.
DIRECCIÓN DE OFICINA Y DE CORREO Out & About PV, S. DE R.L. DE C.V. Out & About Puerto Vallarta Constitucion 285 A, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
El trabajo de voluntarios es sin goce de sueldo, pero los contribuidores reciben crédito por su trabajo en nuestra publicación, impresa y en línea. Recomendamos ampliamente solicitar a aquellos buscando prácticas en periodismo o comunicación.
Contribución Fotografía
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06 12 18 21 22 24 26 30 38 50 51 65
Celebrate Pride With On & Dave Mekahel Hollywood Star Jason Dottley Finds New Life in Puerto Vallarta Studs and Therapy Offer New Bar Options in Zona Romántica Danny Mininni Leaves Entertainment Legacy in Puerto Vallarta The Naked Truth About Louis Whitaker Todo Vallarta Combines Quality, Service and Love for Puerto Vallarta Eye Candies PV Performers Dominate Fire New Kids On The Block Ready to Slay Taking PRIDE in the community Legendary Hedda Lettuce Makes PV Home PRIDE 2022 Arrives Full of Color and Diversity Aphrodite Velvet Crowned First-Ever Chacha Queen
58 MAP AND INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 60 LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY outandaboutpv.com outandaboutpv.com
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 5
ON COVER
Celebrate Pride With On & Dave Mekahel
!
Photographer - Chris Martin Models - Colton Tran, Barry B
On and Dave Mekahel Swimwear by MOUNDWEAR
INTERNATIONAL TV STAR AND INFLUENCER ON MEKAHEL AND HIS HUSBAND DAVE WANT TO CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH YOU IN A VERY INTIMATE WAY.
CUSTOM SWIMSUIT SALE BENEFITS THEOD FOUNDATION
6 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
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By Jerry Jones
YOU MAY KNOW MEKAHEL FROM HIS REALITY SHOW, PUTTING ON. OR PERHAPS YOU’VE SEEN HIM IN ONE OF HIS COUNTLESS MODELING CAMPAIGNS. With more than 1.6 million Instagram followers, this Israeli born model/actor, swimwear designer, businessman, and reality show personality, is on fire. He wants to use some of that fire to help raise funds for TheOD Foundation, Inc., a personal passion fueled by past trauma his husband Dave suffered while incarcerated. Which is why, as Pride season rolls out, Mekahel’s and Dave’s company, MOUNDWEAR, is launching a new collection of Pride swimwear, with proceeds from sales benefiting TheOD Foundation, Inc., a California based 501(c) 3 non-profit, dedicated to helping incarcerated LGBTQ individuals. What better way to celebrate pride while you are lounging on the bea-
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ches of Puerto Vallarta than to sport Mekahel’s custom made swimsuits. “Our MOUNDERWEAR pride collection was inspired simply by our gay community going to Will Rogers beach here in Los Angeles two years ago as a weekly social escape from quarantine,” he said. “Also seeing pictures of guys in Puerto Vallarta on the beach and having fun, we decided to take our signature logo design and created simple yet eye popping styles that we love.” The special Pride swimwear is available exclusively online at mounderwear.com . Swim briefs are $40; Swim Shorts, $50; Hat, $19; Socks $9. All proceeds from sales will go to TheOD Foundation, Inc. The foundation was started by Mekahel and Dave last pride season, with the help of a huge donation from Jeffree Start with Jeffree Star Cosmetics. “Jeffree Star helped us to kick off the foundation with a donation of $25,000,”
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he said. “This helped us to raise awareness for our cause, file all the paperwork we needed to start and register the foundation. etc. During the first year - besides working on getting the foundation registered and properly approved – TheOD Foundation has been able to donate to other charities with similar missions to inject some of that initial startup money directly into helping to support those in need of help within the criminal justice system.” Mekahel and Dave got married in 8 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
2019 in Paris. They met on Tinder when Mekahel was in New York City, and Dave had just been released on parole from a prison based across the river in Hoboken NJ. “When I met my husband, he just got out of prison himself and the reason to start this foundation was the stories he shared about the treatment trans and gays getting within the criminal justice system,”
Mekahel explained. “What led to the foundation was my known status in the gay community and the power I have from being on the only gay focused reality show. This, along with my husband’s experience with the criminal justice system, where he ended up serving 14 months in prison. We wanted to make a change within our community and help those who struggled with their LGBTQ identity, and how that helped get them stuck in the system. We also felt that this subject matter
is not something that has not really been touched upon before, so we decided that this is something we wanted to do.” With TheOD Foundation just getting started, the current goal is to start the conversation and raise awareness of issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces while in prison. “Our goal is to help change the story of as many LGBTQ+ members as we can, who have found themselves stuck in a system that they need outandaboutpv.com
help finding their way out of,” he said. “First and foremost, we want to keep our community members out of our jails and prisons altogether. On the other end, we want to ensure that policy makers, the public and most importantly, corrections staff, understand the sensitive nature of the situation, while also holding them accountable for the ways that LGBTQ+ members are treated and dealt with in the system.”
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 11
ON COVER
Hollywood Star Jason Dottley Finds New Life in Puerto Vallarta HEALS BROKEN HEART AND LAUNCHES THREE NEW BUSINESSES Hair by Sergio at La Barberia on Lazaro Cardenas Custom Top, AshyTee by HeirPHorce
AS JASON DOTTLEY WILL GLADLY TELL YOU, EITHER YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM OR YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHO HE IS. “It’s a great way to keep your ego in check,” Dottley said with a laugh. In 2008, Dottley soared to a level of fame that very few out gay actors before him ever have. He was regularly on TMZ.com and TMZ TV and was shot by paparazzi every time he left his house. His photos appeared in gossip magazines around the globe and he was named to the OUT 100 list. “I was very lucky. Timing is everything. I was the star of a cult-favorite TV show ‘Sordid Lives' with icons Rue McClanahan and Olivia Newton-John in 16 countries,” he explained.
‘Why would we go out to eat if not to have the paparazzi take our picture?” God! He put up with a lot from me. He’ll always be the Sean Penn to my Madonna. The one true love.” Jason released five Top 40 Billboard records in a row before retiring from music in 2018. That’s when his whole life took a huge turn. Family tragedy struck. He had just spent the past two years taking care of his grandmother, and then she passed away. Already dealing with the sorrow from her death, his mother was diagnosed with Stage four cancer and within days of her diagnosis she was in hospice.
Dottley even had the famed Cindy Guagenti as his publicist. He joined her client roster that was also made up of stars like Kim Kardashian and Brad Pitt.
“The eye of a Category 5 hurricane literally made landfall over the hospital in Florida,” he explained. “With my mom in a wheelchair tied to my left arm, my dog tied to my right arm, the building was crumbling. I could only hope the rope would keep us all together.”
“I remember my ex-husband Del Shores asking me, ‘Can we please go to dinner just once and not have a crew of paps waiting for us outside?’ Not missing a beat, I responded with
Jason thought his young life and those he most loved was over. With water rushing in from every direction, he began texting people with “goodbye, I love you” messages.
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“Miraculously, we survived and were med-evacuated to Alabama,” he said. Four months later, on Valentine’s Day, his mother died while he lay next to her, holding her hand. “Now I have her angel’s wings tattooed on that hand, and a forever Valentine,” he said. After her death, he and his dog/ child Ty moved back to Los Angeles to start anew, but within a year, he found himself on vacation in Puerto Vallarta. So, for those Jason Dottley fans who wanted to know more about who he is, Jason cast a wide net with his online fans online to ask a few questions. OUT & ABOUT PV: What brought you to PV? I couldn’t take Trumpland any more. It was September of election year and Ty and I got a suite at Casa Cupula for a week, then two weeks, then three weeks. After a month there - it’s FABULOUSLY hard to leave Cupula - I flew back, put my stuff in storage and rented a hacienda
here for a year. I was here to write my first book about my mom and return once America had her shit together — but I’m still here! FROM TWITTER @CALLMEADAMNYC (CELEBRITY INTERVIEWER) What’s the most inappropriate question you’ve ever been asked in an interview? “Would you ever date one of your step-daughters’ friends?” @MAXXXX_D Does the entertainment industry embrace adult content now that JustForFans is a thing? Does it hold back work? I’m sure Disney won’t hire me. But I don’t care. I only started an OnlyFans account as therapy for PTSD from sexual assault (google Dottley, rape). I went five years only having sex with one person because of my PTSD. That all changed because of onlyfans and it happened in Puerto Vallarta. There was something about doing OnlyFans, now JustForFans is my preference, that gave me back ownership of my sexuality. So, I am not concerned about industry perception. It healed me. outandaboutpv.com
*anonymous Is sex hotter with a stranger or someone you know? Sex is exponentially hotter with love. I have very little casual sex. I need monogamy in a relationship. I’m in the gay minority, I know. And my adult content is actually not me, it’s a character I’ve created, JTrouble. It’s all erotic fiction, a modern version of Madonna’s SEX book where she was “Dita” and it’s been the most liberating experience expressing parts of myself I’d never explored, all through JTrouble. @RAPTORSROCK (NYC ACTOR) Some say that adding OnlyFans type work to a LEGIT entertainment career is a step down. Thoughts? Easy. 98% of every gay man I know consumes adult content, and 95% of those 98% judge the people who create it. I’m here to say the hypocrisy has to stop. For me, JTrouble is just another artistic endeavor. Like putting out a new song, or crafting a music video character. It’s erotic fiction. No one batted an eye when I was totally naked and erect in Sordid Lives, but I do it on my own terms and it’s looked down on? F that! @LLESSURKIM Do you feel happier now than you did in your 20’s? Everything is better in my 40’s. Except when you wake up and your back hurts just because you woke up. INSTAGRAM @ADAMBARTA (REALITY TV STAR) Would you ever do reality TV? I go where paychecks follow, so hook me up, Adam! @TOMMY_GERACI_ (HOST/PRODUCER) What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned through the difficult times? That you survive absolutely everything, until the one thing you don’t. FACEBOOK THOMAS SCHLIEVE: Do you have a boyfriend? No, but I was lucky to have my first boyfriend in seven years, Seth Sikes, who I met in PV, for eight glorious months last year. It didn’t work out, but my god, did we have an incredible time together. He will always have a part of my heart.
JACK REIN: What experience made you feel like you were living your best life? Anytime I can make someone feel special, I feel like I’m living my best life. TIKTOK @DJHELLOKAREN (RADIO DJ WKGC) Biggest regret in life? Not knowing how to communicate hard things during my marriage. @TAMMYMARIE06 What was the biggest adjustment to make moving to Mexico? Learning Spanish - which I’m still behind at finishing. My teacher: Adriana Maestra 3221337393 @JOSEVHOU What is the one thing you’re most proud of? Taking care of and being there with my grandmother and my mom as they transitioned to whatever comes after our last breath. @RYANKNIPFEL Is there anything that you have regretted doing in your career? Not yet 😏 @ALPHAFLASH2323ANDREW Do you plan on getting married again? For sure. I’m a hopeless romantic who loves love. @BEANANDNAY Any plans on moving back to America full-time? Nope! I’m too busy here! I’m launching a gay concierge service JasonsPV.com, I’m launching GayCollab.com that will help content creators connect and I’ll also offer directing, producing and promoting services, and I have a slew of events happe-ning over the summer that you can keep up with at JasonsPV.com that will have everything from mental health workshops, yoga, after hours parties, my new one man show. I’m a busy gringo! The only link you need to follow Jason everywhere online is LINKS2JASON.COM
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ON COVER
Studs and Therapy Offer New Bar Options in Zona Romántica LEATHER, BEAR, CRAFT COCKTAIL BARS & HOUSE BEATS OPEN ON BASILIO BADILLO By Salvador Dominguez
NEW PROJECTS ARE ALWAYS EMERGING IN PUERTO VALLARTA. THE CITY REINVENTS ITSELF AND WITH IT, ITS ADOPTIVE RESIDENTS FIND REALIZATION OF THEIR DREAMS.
Therapy, an-upscale dance bar serving gourmet bites & craft cocktails, and Studs, Puerto Vallarta's first men-only bear & leather bar, have been a lifelong dream of Mike Owens. They both recently opened, offering visitors and locals some new options. Owens, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, has lived in Puerto Vallarta for about a year and a half, and said he was happy to now call Puerto Vallarta home. These two new bars are located in the building where Hamburger Mary's used to be - a three-story building that Owens has perfectly divided the space between the two bars so that each one has their privacy. "These two new bars will have unique concepts that you will notice from the moment you walk in," he explained. Studs, touting itself as the city’s first bear and leather bar, offers popular DJs playing the best in House & dance beats, nice leather couches, incredible lighting design and a very private area where the leather community can feel free and comfortable. At the entrance you can take off your street clothes and stay only in jockstraps. Don't worry if you don't have a suitable look, because Studs sells its own merchan18 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
dise, where you can pick up special leather clothes and put together your own outfit. The capacity of the bar is two hundred people. Therapy, is a unique craft cocktail bar with house beats, with an atmosphere that changes as the day progresses. From 5 to 10 p.m. you’ll find a lounge atmosphere with a mixologist on hand to make your perfect craft cocktail, and pleasant music where you can have a fun time and talk with your friends without having to shout above the music. After 10 p.m Therapy turns into a dance floor with DJs and house music until 2 a.m.
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"Contributing in this way to society is one of the main goals I have here in PV and with its people."
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MIKE OWENS
‘I wanted to open new spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, bring new job opportunities to the people who live here, and grow the economy of the port,” Owens explained. “As well, our team looks forward to providing innovation in terms of services, atmosphere and cocktails.” Owens said he and his business will support non-profit organizations against HIV and cancer, such as SETAC. "I have always carried out actions that give back to the community a little of what they have given me," he said. "Contributing in this way to society is one of the main goals I have here in PV and with its people." Studs and Therapy may soon become some of the favorite hangouts of the LGBTQ+ community in Puerto Vallarta. Immerse yourself in their atmospheres and enjoy.
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Modelos: Javier Reyes (@javo_kings) y Hector Morales (@hectormorales7358) Fotografia de Fotografia de Javier Reyes
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ONE SIX ONE
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NEWS
Danny Mininni Leaves Entertainment Legacy in Puerto Vallarta SUDDEN DEATH LEAVES COMMUNITY IN SHOCK
By Jerry Jones
DANNY MININNI, CO-FOUNDER OF ACT2PV, PASSED AWAY UNEXPECTEDLY IN PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO, MEXICO ON TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022. HE WAS 56 YEARS OLD. Mininni, a native of Hollywood, California, was co-founder of the entertainment complex, Act2PV. He leaves a legacy of launching the entertainment careers of many and helping to change the entertainment industry in Puerto Vallarta. He was known as a director, actor, entrepreneur, businessman and friend to many. Mininni, in an interview with O&APV in 2018, said he had been visiting Puerto Vallarta since 1999. He moved to the city in 2008. “My first time I was here The Palm hadn’t even opened yet,” he said.”That was 1999. I’d started coming here about four times a year after that, and then I was coming every other month because I loved being here.” While Mininni’s heart and passion had always been in theater, his first business venture in Puerto Vallarta was in real estate, where he was a broker with Realty Executives, and went on to start Costa Vallarta Real Estate Mininni and Associates. In 2009, Karrie Sebryk, founder of the Boutique Theater (now part of Nacho Daddy) joined forces with Mininni to produce Robin’s Hoods. Mininni went on to produce and direct The Foreigner and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He worked with the Boutique Theater for four years.
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With that success under his belt, he and his then business partner, Elizabeth Wiggins, decided to form their own company. In 2012, ACT II Entertainment produced its first show, The Rocky Horror Show, at The Palm. After one season at The Palm, the team decided to find their own space, and made a large investment where the current Act2PV is at the intersection of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes. The founding members of Act II Entertainment included Elizabeth Ensor, Danny Mininni, Alain Perreault and David Restivo. As the business changed over the years, it became Act2PV, with Mininni, Alfonso Lopez and Oscar Cisneros (both named partners in 2018) as its partners. In other media interviews over the past years, Mininni often marveled at the impact the theater had one the lives of the millions of visitors that flock to PV, as well as aspiring entertainers. In a 2018 interview with Vallarta Lifestyles he said, “Today, Puerto Vallarta is an ideal destination for culture and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors and temporary residents each year. To think that we have fostered that change is magnificent.” says Mininni. “What an incredible feeling when we see visitors purchasing show tickets for multiple shows months ahead of time, making their entertainment part of the vacation experience.”
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 21
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINER, LOUIS WHITAKER, HAS FOUND HIS WAY INTO THE HEART OF VALLARTA, BUT WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW ABOUT THIS YOUNG CABARET SINGER
LOUIS WHITAKER IS BARING IT ALL AND UNDERNEATH I STILL SEE THE CHARISMATIC CHILDHOOD FRIEND WHO FELT DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS AND LIVED FOR PERFORMING. When I first met Louis, we were both kids and he had a laser focus on one thing, becoming a pastor. This is no small feat, but ‘Whit’ as his friends called him, even then, knew how to tell a story. He could have told any type of story, but he wanted to perform for the greater good and saw a calling in Christianity. This may seem surprising, but for us, the only stage we knew was the one you went to every Sunday to hear the word of God. You’re going to find that Whit is always looking for a stage, trying them on for size and seeing if it’s the right fit. Sadly, when he came out, he never got a chance to go on that stage and he was shunned from his church. Never one to feel sorry for himself, Whitaker went out in the world and showed a new trait I had not seen in him before: grit. At the beginning of the pandemic, Louis begins to interview sex workers for a policy report he is co-authoring for the ACLU and finds a welcoming community of performers, albeit a different type of performance than he was used to. As his financial resources dwindle, it becomes clear that he will need to figure out where his next stage lies, and he builds a digital one as a sex worker on Only-
Photographer: Daniel Cornejo
The Naked Truth About Louis Whitaker
Fans (OF). It doesn’t take long before he reaches acclaim on OF and once again I see a satisfaction from Louis for finding a temporary stage from which he can catch his breath and plan his next moves. I don’t want to understate my friend’s metamorphosis from a straightlaced boy who blushed at the mention of a chaste kiss to a full-blown pornstar. Peel away the layers and you’ll still find a performer, but he outgrew his platform and was read for the next challenge. Louis moves to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a fresh start where his only performance is that of first impressions as he lays roots in this queer paradise and begins to build a chosen family. The family he finds in Mexico see the same traits I’ve always known in him, but they also see his talent as a performer. Soon he is booking gigs at Act2PV, the largest theatre in Puerto Vallarta and before I know it he is headlining his own Broadway cabaret show. It seems like he has finally found his stage where his friends cheer him on, he sings the songs he loves, and he gets to live in a paradise most people only experience for a handful of days. This is only the beginning for my dear friend and I can already see that he has the drive to get to that gilded Broadway stage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.THELOUISWHITAKER.COM
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LOCAL INFORMATION
Todo Vallarta Combines Quality, Service and Love for Puerto Vallarta NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER JAMES MURRAY TAKES PRIDE IN TEAMWORK
By Salvador Dominguez
ANY SUCCESSFUL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN IS DEPENDENT ON VISUAL CONCEPTS THAT BRING THE MESSAGE TO LIFE. LIFE THAT’S PROVIDED BY EXPERTS LIKE JAMES MURRAY, A PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER AND FASHION STYLIST WHO NOW CALLS PUERTO VALLARTA HOME.
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Murray, who made his mark in New York City, has been working in the industry for more than 30 years, much of that time touring different countries and capturing life in front of his lens. Three years ago he decided to leave the frantric life of New York City and moved to Puerto Vallarta. Of course, a man with that much talent and experience wasn’t just going to retire. His passion for
photography and people lead the entrepreneur to dedicate this new found energy to an online directory, calendar resource and magazine called ‘Todo Vallarta.’
professional photographs and videos full of emotion and adrenaline - bringing together his passion for adventure and the unknown, capturing it in each of his works.
“Todo Vallarta is an online space that aims to spread unknown aspects of Puerto Vallarta,” he said. “To shine the light on those hidden gems of places and people.”
TodoVallarta.com offers everything from a local calendar, directory of businesses, things to do, restaurants, entertainment and more. But you’ll also find amazing video stories that tell great stories from the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
He does it by combining feature videos and photos with the great attractions of the port but by giving it the characteristic James touch. "Vallarta has incredible things,” he said. “I have been here for three years and every day I discover something new. I realized that there was not a platform that encompassed all of Vallarta. I wanted to create a website that had the best things in PV, different cultural, tourist and entertainment offerings, but above all, show the talent of its people." In Todo Vallarta you will find the 'Pata Salada of the week' - a perspective of the local people who live and work in Vallarta and their way of perceiving the city differently from tourists. James will also take you on a journey through his lenses with
Murray is a born entrepreneur and in addition to Todo Vallarta, he has also created his own clothing brand with the same name: 'Todo Vallarta by James Murray'. "During the pandemic my trip around the world stopped, and I needed to direct my creative energies on something and I thought of designing this clothing collection,” he explained. “A line that will be amazing souvenirs for tourists, I want to set up my store to sell locally made clothing and products for the people who live here”. Bringing together his experience in fashion styling, James captured emblematic places in Puerto Vallarta, like the Playa Los Muertos Pier on
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his clothes, offering a very original and comfortable garment. In describing his work ethic, James said "I strongly believe in teamwork more than individual work. Together people can obtain more benefits, we have to stop looking only for ourselves.I have put my heart, soul, talent and savings into the Todo Vallarta project because I love this place and what I do. I just hope Vallarta loves me back." If you’re looking for a local business to support, check out TodoVallarta. com for the latest in entertainment listings, business directory, and maybe even find a new favorite restaurant.
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Tap into the more than 30-years of experience that James has, to see if his services (photography, videography, editing, consulting and online broadcasting) can benefit your business.You not only get access to an international professional, you’ll make a new friend. For More Information: TODOVALLARTA.COM
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ENTERTAINMENT
Eye Candies PV Performers Dominate Fire OMAR AGUILAR MEDINA CREATES SENSUAL DANCE TROUPE
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Photographer: Luis Solis
By Salvador Dominguez
MASTERING AN ELEMENT AS POWERFUL AS FIRE IS AN ART AND IT IS MAXIMIZED BY THOSE WHO CAN MANIPULATE IT AS AN ARTIST TO BLEND IT WITH DANCE TO CREATE MAGIC.
Omar Aguilar Medina, founder and creator of the company Eye Candies PV, combines artists from different disciplines with the unusual talent to be able to perform incredible acts manipulating fire. With each performer having a distinctive quality, there is not one that is the same as the other. Eye Candies PV features a contemporary and voguing dancer, a circus acrobat, a cyr wheel artist, and a dancer-contortionist (who is Omar himself). As a gay-queer dancer, Omar understands art as a beautiful vehicle that
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transforms like fire. "An artist cannot always remain the same, he has to evolve, change, take risks and at the same time let himself be surprised," he explained. Aguilar is a 27-year-old classical dancer originally from Mexico City. He grew up in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche. At the age of 17 he went to Mexico City to study dance and was part of the cast of the Mexico City Ballet for four years. At the same time, he collaborated with different dance companies in conjunction with the Philharmonic of the city. He arrived in Puerto Vallarta in 2020 to work in the great show 'Mayahuel' at the Vallarta Theater. After which he joined the last two seasons of the drag queen Karma The Bitch at Act2PV, receiving very good reviews of his work. Deciding to stay in Puerto Vallarta, he started Eye Candies PV. "We distinguish ourselves because
we have sexy dance with fire, and combine it with very sensual costumes, makeup and queer elements,” he said. Another plus of the show is that it is presented with live music which makes it even more extraordinary and attractive. "We have a Colombian musician who plays percussion live during the show, that gives it a Latin flavor that makes the show even more unique." Of course his art is exciting but it is also dangerous, you have to know and understand fire and take into account several other factors - such as the direction of the wind so that it does not go towards your face. "We prefer to wear as little clothing as possible, both for our safety and for the sensual concept of the
Photographer: Ezequiel lozano
"An artist cannot always remain the same, he has to evolve, change, take risks and at the same time let himself be surprised"
project," he explained. "Of course I've had accidents, it's always a risk, you can't be afraid, the show must go on." Eye Candies PV is a diverse group that has gay, queer and straight artists, whose main drive is to make quality new shows and show great love for their artistic disciplines. Look for them at private parties, hotels or gay villas. You can hire them for your next party, just contact Omar on his social networks. INSTAGRAM: @EYECANDIESPV @OMARCETO
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 27
28 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
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PRIDE
New Kids On The Block Ready to Slay FRESH MEXICAN FACES BRING PRIDE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ENTERTAINMENT TO PUERTO VALLARTA 30 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
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By Salvador Dominguez
BUILDING A PATH BASED ON TALENT, AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, AND AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF ENERGY, WE’RE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO A FEW OF THE NEW MEXICAN FACES THAT HAVE ARRIVED IN PUERTO VALLARTA, READY TO SHINE IN EVERYTHING FROM ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT TO CULINARY SKILLS.
Photographer: James Murray @jmurworld On location at: Sapphire Puerto Vallarta Beach Club Stylist and Art Director: James Murray and Salvador Dominguez
This new generation of young queers is betting on humility and humanity, and are fighting every day to show who they are through art, endeavors and what it means to be LGBTQ+ these days. outandaboutpv.com
SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 31
ROMÁN VENTURA PRIVATE CHEF
ROMÁN IS ORIGINALLY FROM THE LITTLE TOWN OF MASCOTA, JALISCO, BUT GREW UP IN ESPERANZA, SONORA. He later adopted Puerto Vallarta as his home, where he combines his professional and personal life. He studied to become an international chef at the ISIMA Institute of Higher Studies in Puerto Vallarta. After finishing school, he worked in the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, starting as a kitchen assistant, learning and absorbing all the knowledge and then putting it into practice. During the pandemic, with people confined to their homes, he found more people wanted to have intimate house parties. He decided to create his own private chef service. “I wanted to express my artistry, creativity, and imagination. So, I started cooking private dinners,” he said.”This experience cemented my passion for being a private chef. It has helped me learn even more about how to create a story for every dish and every meal I serve.” The LGBTQ community was the first to receive him with open arms and has been recommending him - either by word of mouth or on social networks. And while he has mostly worked for the LGBTQ community, his client base is rapidly expanding thanks to all of the outstanding recommendations he has received.
ULISES PÉREZ QUEER CHOREOGRAPHER AND DANCER
ULISES ARRIVED AT OUR APPOINTMENT SPORTING GLITTER, AN OVERSIZED SHIRT AND SHORTS THAT HIGHLIGHTED HIS INCREDIBLE BROWN LEGS BURSTING WITH ENERGY. He’s a young 'Queer' that might stop you in your tracks for a doubletake. His style is unique, with a look and personality acting like a magnet drawing you in. Originally from Acapulco, Guerrero, he began his career nine years ago as a dancer in Mexico City, where he studied ballet, contemporary dance and folklore dancing. He lives in PV for almost four years. In addition to his dance, Ulises is dedicated to teaching different contemporary dance and ballet classes, and has been a choreographer for shows such as What a Drag PV and is currently part of several casts in the Act2PV theater. And get this -he has a voguing house - 'House of Paradise' - one of the first in Vallarta. "House of Paradise seeks to create a community for queers,” he said. “Because when I arrived in Vallarta, there were many gays but the treatment for queer people was not the same. I found some discrimination from the community itself and that is why I thought of creating the House to be a support for diversity.” "I am a queer and effeminate” he said. “Before I had a hard time accepting that concept, but today I am proud of my identity and of being a Mexican queer." 32 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 33
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 35
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ DANCER AND CHOREOGRAPHER
ORIGINALLY FROM CIUDAD DELICIAS, CHIHUAHUA, FERNANDO HAS SPENT MOST OF HIS LIFE DANCING. HE BEGAN WHEN HE WAS SIX-YEARS-OLD, WITH TRADITIONAL MEXICAN DANCES. As he was finishing high school, Fernando went to Mexico City to study at the Mexican Folklore Ballet. That, for him, was a release because he was able to experience his life as a gay man in the big city. Fernando arrived in Vallarta and immediately joined different dance companies and thus began to work on his passions. He prefers to work in shows that are presented inside hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit. "I feel very good working in hotels,” he said. “The colleagues are almost always the same and we have become a family." Fernando is currently 25-years-old and also combines dance and choreography with aerial dance on fabric and routines on sancos (stilts). This has allowed him to expand his work and participate in more international shows. "I am very self-taught, if I see that they are going to give a course and I am interested, I go,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to take advantage and add another discipline to your knowledge and thus offer better shows."
MARIO CARRASCO JIU JITSU COMPETITOR, REAL ESTATE AGENT & TOUR GUIDE
MARIO IS A PATA SALADA - PROUD OF HIS ROOTS WHERE HE GREW UP IN THE OLAS ALTAS NEIGHBORHOOD SURROUNDED BY TOURISTS, IN THE HEART OF THE ROMANTIC ZONE, LIVING ONLY WITH HIS MOTHER. Carrasco is 24-years-old and considers himself Pansexual and gets along perfectly well with his family and society. "I have been comfortable with my sexuality without any problem since I was a child. I have always been surrounded by diversity. “I grew up with friends of my mother from the gay community, everything was very natural for me." He says he is mostly attracted to women but does not limit himself to that gender. "I don't limit myself, I don't look at gender, but at what a person transmits to me as their personality, their energy and their attitude.” He currently has been working for four-and-a-half years at Jet’s Private Tours and combines that with being a real estate agent with Ryan Donner. His true passion is martial arts. Mario has dedicated himself body and soul to Jiu Jitsu discipline, saying "every day I wake up thinking about how to improve in this martial art. I literally eat, live and breathe Jiu Jitsu". He came in first place in the Jiu Jitsu Vallarta Cup in his category and he also competed in Guanajuato against different states and came in third place. 36 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 37
PRIDE
The Community TA K I N G P R I D E I N
SPOTLIGHT ON PUERTO VALLARTIAN’S WORKING FOR ACCEPTANCE, VISIBILITY 38 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 39
By Salvador Dominguez
PRIDE IS A TIME OF CELEBRATION AND ACCEPTANCE. RAINBOW FLAGS ARE RAISED, PEOPLE FLOCK TO PARADES, AND IDENTIFIED LGBTQ+ PEOPLE AND SUPPORTERS DON THEIR BEST PRIDE GEAR.
While it has taken some time, finally the LGBTQ+ community is gaining the visibility that was once hidden. Thanks in part to great visibility on
HECTOR ‘TETO’ RAMIREZ BETANCOURT LGBTQ+ ACTIVIST Spurned into activism after police harassment Hector is a much-loved LGBTQ+ activist in Vallarta who knows full well what it's like to suffer discrimination for being gay. In his youth, he was arrested by the Puerto Vallarta Municipal Police for the “crime” of holding hands with his boyfriend. Then, he watched as the same thing happened to his friends and acquaintances. Hector decided to start working to eradicate these abuses and give information to people and authorities. He started with several associations to fight AIDS, he was part of SETAC and there he met many human rights defenders who inspired him to form "El Colectivo Vallarta LGBT" eight years ago. This Collective, led by Teto, has insisted on the laws to approve equal marriage, in the change of identity in trans people, and achieved the approval of the local government regulations to not discriminate in Puer40 40 •• SUMMER SUMMER OF OF PRIDE PRIDE 2022 2022
TV, activism, and people coming out to their family and friends, the reality of our community’s existence has manifested. But despite all this progress, there is still much work to do. Iin many countries homosexuality is punishable, in others marriage is not legal, and there are multiple complaints of hate and there are even murders of trans people
Pride month is a moment in time to pay tribute to people who have worked the path of activism for the rights of homosexuals and trans. Here in PV, one such individual is Hector Ramírez Betancourt. There are others, like Natasha Moraga, who have contributed or lead community projects such as the Parque de los Azulejos. People from the collective community positively influence Puerto Vallarta with their work, speeches, and activism.
O&APV presents just a few LGBTQ+ faces of Puerto Vallarta who are contributing to society by creating bonds between gay and non-gay people and who, with their work, increase visibility, respect and fight for the rights of our community every day.
to Vallarta. Hector Ramírez has been present in many fights in the gay community, supporting people without resources who cannot defend themselves and giving awareness advice to people who do not know how to deal with our community. He was an ambassador for Pride Vallarta three years ago. He has been recognized as one of the best LGBTQ+ activists by the Guadalajara community. In December 2021, Impulse Mexico recognized him as one of the 42 best activists in the Jalisco community, with Teto the only one from Puerto Vallarta. In addition, the State Human Rights Commission gave the "Francisco Temaxtli" recognition to him and the Vallarta LGBTQ+ Collective for the activism they have carried out in the city. This has prompted Hector to continue fighting for the rights of the community and to teach new generations the benefits of a good relationship among all to achieve more visibility and recognition.
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NATASHA MORAGA ARTIST, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE PARQUE DE LOS AZULEJOS Project: Changing the community one tile at a time Natasha is one of those people you love from the first minute. Natasha is originally from California, US, but has been a Mexico resident since she was eight years old. She settled in many places like Guadalajara, Tijuana, Puebla and also lived in Germany for a brief time. Natasha fell in love with Vallarta and 20 years later, is still here. Natasha stayed here because she felt protected, loved and not judged. She was able to be herself, and work without discrimination. "I loved Vallarta from the first day. Here you fit in, not only as part of the LGBTQ community, but in the town in general. People make you feel welcome here" she says. Natasha’s basis of her growth as a lesbian woman is her family. She has always had their support. Her father was the one who made her understand at the age of 13, that she only had to be herself to be happy, and from there she began to accept and know herself. "The first bar that I went to when I was 14-years-old was Paco Paco (The original one). There, I realized there where others like me and I loved it” she said. She currently has a seven-year relationship with her girlfriend, and both of their families support them one hundred percent. Natasha stopped participating in Pride festivals, because she felt that Pride had lost its meaning. She thinks the community is neglecting the “fight for rights” and focusing more on superficiality. "I think the “fight for our rights” would be more organic if we stopped fighting each other” she explained. "We have to be compassionate and be kind to the one in front of us, no matter what gender, religion, preferences or anything. Just don't judge and mind your own business" Natasha is a born artist who started her career spontaneously in 2011. "I 42 •• SUMMER SUMMEROF OFPRIDE PRIDE2022 2022 42
had a restaurant, and the truth is that I wasn't happy. I got depressed,” she shared. "I came across Gaudí's work when I visited Barcelona. His work inspired me to create something. I didn't know what creative direction I would take until I discovered the tile technique and went to Philadelphia to take a 4 day workshop with Isaiah Zagar." With newfound inspiration and knowing the technique, Natasha returned to Vallarta, and proposed to the government to create the wall of the school that is located on Pino Suárez and Venustiano Carranza streets. The area lies within the famous Zona Romantica, and with little budget and helped by her brother (Daniel Moraga). Natasha and Daniel created "Episode 1". Daniel also started the park Project with her and then decided to follow his passion roasting coffee and opening Darwins Project in Bucerias. the “kinder wall’ is recognized by locals as "La Pared del Kinder”. The “kinder wall” was the beginning of her artistic adventure.
There was the nagging problem of how to pay for the work. Natasha tells us that the way to financing the projects all happened just by chance., "I didn`t know how I would accomplish the project; I just knew why I wanted to do it. I was running out of budget,” she explained. “A woman passed by and said, “Can I give you a hundred dollars so you can put my name on the Wall?” “Everything lit up for me and with those hundred dollars I was able to buy some materials and continue". From there she has not stopped, the idea of that lady became pure gold for her projects, and now in all of them there is the collaboration of the community buying plaques allowing her to maintain the works and murals. The same formula was used for the extraordinary giant Mural of La Marina and the emblematic Lázaro Cárdenas Park. Natasha's work in the park sparked people calling Lazaro Cardenas Park, Parque de los Azulejos. This is one of Natasha's greatest and most satisfying jobs. She has been putting her magic on every bench and wall in the park for five years. Natasha has been
able to build community among the neighbors and volunteers that want to leave their mark in PV. Natasha is a living example that good people, with good intentions, can all work together in harmony. Community and unity are demonstrated by this in Zona Romantica, from every walk of life, when they participate in any of her projects.
Photographer: Parque de los Azulejos, Natasha Moraga outandaboutpv.com outandaboutpv.com
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 43
CHRISTOPHER DEANDE MARKETING DIRECTOR AND STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER OF ‘WHAT A DRAG PV’ Altruistic retiree lends his experience to help others Christopher is passionate about the world of entertainment, with each project having the distinction of excellency. Originally from Los Angeles, California, his Mexican roots grew directly from Guadalajara, Jalisco. Christopher arrived in Puerto Vallarta like many others - on vacation, without thinking this would become his place of residence. After many years of traveling he and his husband Michael made the decision to retire in Puerto Vallarta. Before retiring, Christopher's career 44 44 •• SUMMER SUMMER OF OF PRIDE PRIDE 2022 2022
spanned six decades in both entertainment and law. He has worked for The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios and spent the last 20 years working for BRC Imagination Arts, a small boutique design firm specializing in museums, theatrical experiences, brand houses and theme park attractions. Christopher has used his experience in the world of legal, entertainment and design to help others in Vallarta. His work in the port since he decided to be a resident is altruistic. Chris has been living in PV for four years, working with various performers and helping retail businesses. But the project that has marked his life in PV, and so far the most significant, is 'What A Drag', an event that consists of a Drag contest with the peculiarity that the men who become Queens are all straight..
The event is 100 percent philanthropic with the tickets and sponsorships going towards funds for the Casa Esperanza Shelter and Refuge, which benefits women who have suffered domestic violence. The fabulous thing is this event brings together the entire community, regardless of gender, skin color, social status or nationality. Every year everyone waits for this great event just to have fun, and of course support the women of Casa Esperanza. Due to the great success and popularity,, it is the number one fundraising event in Puerto Vallarta. During the four years that Christopher has worked with What A Drag, almost $6,000,000 pesos in funds have been raised for the shelter.
“What a Drag is a wonderful example of how people can come together to help others,” he said. “ Straight, gay, trans, we are all supporting each other. It’s great to see Straight men willing to walk a mile in heels to help others and drag professionals taking their hand and supporting them.”. Christopher is very clear that he wants to continue helping with his experience and work. And he wants to continue promoting What a Drag so that more people can join this adventure of being able to support women and coming together to continue fighting for their rights.
Photographer: James Murray @jmurworld
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 45
ALFREDO SORIA DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT SETAC Tireless and empathic, he feels fortunate to serve community Alfredo is an open book, full of sincerity and empathy with his surroundings. The first impression he gives you is of a friendly and spontaneous person. And yes, Alfredo is that and more. Originally from Sonora, Hermosillo, he arrived in Puerto Vallarta more than three and a half years ago. It was here he found his place - a place he felt accepted, loved and above all comfortable in being able to express himself and be honest with himself. In his first months in Puerto Vallarta, he set up a confectionery business. By 2020 he began to add to his workload, becoming the SETAC Civil Association Director of Operations. It’s a role he can be passionate about his work for the LGBTQ community. After he joined SETAC, he knew from the first moment that he was in the right place. This served as an anchor for him to stay here permanently. “At first I worked with SETAC and continued my personal business,” he explained. “But as the months went by, I realized that what really fulfilled me - and made me feel fulfilled was the work and the approach I was having with the community through SETAC. I decided to dedicate more time to it.” At first, Alfredo only coordinated the operational part of SETAC. However, little by little and thanks to his verbal and public relations skills, he organically made many ties with people from the local LGBTIQ + community. SETAC has allowed him to be with and support people in the community in difficult times through its different social support programs. He said he felt fortunate to be with them in more private and sensitive moments. Yes, he’s had some fun, but also experienced very hard times. He had the opportunity to work and coordinate a project aimed at sex workers in Vallarta (PrEP SEGURO), to bring and share a great LGBT documentary (Puto Paraiso) with the community, and one of his greatest satisfactions has been to co-created the SETAC 46 46 •• SUMMER SUMMER OF OF PRIDE PRIDE 2022 2022
sponsored LGBTIQ+ Festival “Nuestro Orgullo”. Nuestro Orgullo, rooted as a cultural festival, held its first celebration last year and started when Alfredo came up with the idea of doing something symbolic during Pride, - a Gay Flag hanging on the Los Muertos Pier - to remind anyone passing by the importance and meaning of the Pride. It started with just that act and then it grew so much that they had seven days of cultural activities for the community. It was so well received that this year they will be back with a Second Edition for Nuestro Orgullo 2022. “I would like to tell the community that the success and value that we have as people has nothing to do with having a privileged label in our group, nor with having titles or positions, money, social positions or having the best body,” he said. “Life and success is about being authentic, honest and empathetic, going to sleep at night with a clear conscience and a peaceful soul, being in good health, pampering yourself and also allowing yourself to support others. If this happens in your life, you will understand how wonderful it is to support others.” In addition to serving as the Director of Operations at SETAC, he is also working as the General Director of the Nuestro Orgullo Festival. Alfredo does not stop and plans to continue dedicating his time and effort to support our community. He knows it is not an easy task but that the results are great satisfaction and above all, the ability to continue advancing rights and visibility. Among his next professional projects are carrying out the PrEP Program via telemedicine for Muxes in Oaxaca; coordinating the PrEP Program aimed at Sex Workers and Vulnerable Populations; and the Chat Between Drinks and Heels Forum. As if that were not enough, the tireless Alfredo has in mind personal projects to carry out including Edible Art Exhibitions and begin his training in plastic arts. Photographer: Manolo Becker
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LORENA BARAJAS Family Rejection Fueled Passion to Support Trans Children Lorena's life has been a rollercoaster of emotions since her arrival in Vallarta more than 20 years ago. Like many transwomen, her coming out was not well received by her family, leading her to flee her native city of Guadalajara to start a life in Puerto Vallarta at the age of 16. "My grandmother always said, ‘a she is not where she is born, but where she is made’," she explained. "Lorena was born here." She has been a trail blazer on the political front. Four years ago she became the first transgender woman in Jalisco to legally change her name. She is also the first trans woman to work for the National Chamber of Commerce of Mexico, and was a councilor in the business women project. Lorena’s challenges in life started as early as kindergarten. It was there she first encountered bullying, and was constantly told that she was not 48 48 •• SUMMER SUMMER OF OF PRIDE PRIDE 2022 2022
a girl but a boy. "I am a woman from a broken generation, where women had neither a voice nor a vote,” she said. “And especially in my very religious context, there was much less room for trans people." Puerto Vallarta has a way of making many feel welcomed, and at home. It’s a city that will quickly adopt and embrace newcomers, a city where freedom and inclusion are respected. "In Vallarta I found my life, my pack,” she explained. Before transitioning, Lorena was protected and loved by Antonio Barajas, her "alter male ego". The masculine side of her was a shell before society, which helped her to empower herself and become a successful woman. Like Antonio, she built a successful career as a stylist and radio-TV host. After she made the decision to publicly transition, she surprised many, including her friends and acquaintances. Some did not support her, but of course this did not stop this strong woman, and she continued to
fight and grow. Sprunned by those who rejected her, and fueled with the desire to prove herself, she decided to enter the Miss Trans Global contes. Surprising even herself,she won the Mexico title in 2021. She went on to represent Mexico internationally (in the United Kingdom), where 26 transgender women from all over the world came together to show that they were not just physical beautiful, but these women also showed how they were helping the trans community with different service projects.
the love of their family. "We want quality, loving human beings,” she explained. “What I did not have as a child growing up, I want them not to lack." Locally, Lorena has big plans for the trans community of Puerto Vallarta. "I would love to have a space to support trans women and their different needs,” she said. “We are working on it and I hope it will be achieved soon."
And that’s how her passion for her project, 'Protects and Childrens', was born.
And of course, she plans to continue supporting trans children and participate in different projects that help raise the profile of the trans community.
The program supports Trans children by offering therapy, guidance and advice to the child, parents and other family members.
Photographer: Cristian Torres
"Therapy is not needed just by trans children but by their parents and family," she said. Lorena’s goal is to raise awareness among these people so that trans children can grow up with love and
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 49
ENTERTAINMENT
Legendary
Hedda Lettuce Makes PV Home
ACTOR, SONGWRITER AND COMEDIAN ENTERTAINS AT ACT2PV
By Salvador Dominguez
YOU CAN’T TALK ABOUT PUERTO VALLARTA PRIDE WITHOUT MENTIONING ONE OF THE CITY’S LONGEST PERFORMING AND MOST POPULAR DRAG QUEENS, HEDDA LETTUCE.
It was the words of a dying drag queen that helped bring Puerto Vallarta’s drag superstar Hedda Lettuce to town. Some might say it was destiny. Lettuce shared the circumstances that initially brought her to perform, and then move, to become part of the drag queen fabric that weaves Puerto Vallarta together. “A fellow drag from New York City, one night before she passed away, told Danny Mininni (partner with Act2PV, who recently passed away) that I would be a great addition to the Act2Pv cast,” she explained. “And that set into place a series of circumstances that brought me here. Lettuce, instantly known by her distinctive green color look, is an American drag queen, comedian and singer originally from New York City. Since the mid-90's she has been known as PV’s Great Queen of Comedy. Actor Steven Polito is the one who magnifies Hedda Lettuce, and has lived in Puerto Vallarta for the past seven years. While he regularly returns to NYC for a few months each year, Polito loves to call Puerto Vallarta home. "My home is Puerto Vallarta, here I have found everything to feel calm and happy," he said. “I’ve adopted three dogs, ‘Patas Saladas’, which have become a part of my family. In character as Hedda Lettuce, Poli50 • SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022
to has done a little bit of everything in the entertainment industry. She has appeared on TV, in movies, and had special appearances with great divas like Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker. In addition to her comedy, she writes and sings her own original songs. Her shows are a mix of improvisation and songs from her repertoire. "The kind of show I do in PV is not done by anyone,” she explained. “I think a true performer is one who can captivate an audience for an hour and a half, without the need for cheap tricks and a lot of costume changes." Hedda is a drag queen of the old guard, that of the generation of queens who bring talent and entertainment to shows, more than just spectacular makeup or incredible costumes. She was involved in activism in the mid 90's and did street performances to raise money. She was part of the great NYC drag scene at the time and she knew what it was like to strive to stand out. "I think the drag scene today has changed in such a way that it has lost its essence," She said. "The point of doing drag is a gay man doing it. I respect the fact that other genres do it now, but originally drag wasn't conceived that way. A lot of girls today spend a lot of time wanting to be a drag version of Kim Kardashian and that's not entertaining on stage. It's not enough for a full show."
Having grown up in a tough and competitive environment with NYC queens, she learned from some of the best in the business. "I am not a fashion diva, nor do I follow trends in social networks,” she explained. “I am an actor, a comedian. I do not need to change outfits on stage all the time either, my work is more on stage and the image accompanies it and people have recognized me throughout my career.”
her audience each night. An artist of her caliber, who can entertain with her ingenuity, music, lyrics and comedy full of fun and madness, is a treat to see. Hedda plans to continue enjoying PV, the weather, the people and her dog son’s. She looks forward to having great seasons at Act2PV. If you are a fan of the art of drag and have not seen Hedda Lettuce in action, run now for your tickets because her shows almost always sell out.
You’ll never see the same show if you go to a Hedda Lettuce performance. Each show is unique because part of her repertoire originates from the improv that she puts together, based on
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CALENDAR
PRIDE 2022 Arrives Full of Color and Diversity By Salvador Dominguez
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VALLARTA PRIDE 2022 By Salvador Dominguez
Vallarta Pride will bring a series of fun activities during May, starting on May 20 and running through May 29. The Pride Parade, street parties and the classic Drag Derby are just
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a few of the things planned. There are some separate things planned for Lesbian Pride 2022 and the new LGBTQ+ Culture Festival. Please check our website, www.outandaboutpv.com for a more indepth schedule of events.
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TUESDAY MAY 17 2022
THURSDAY MAY 26 2022
MARCH FOR THE WORLD AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA | 7PM, SHERATON HOTEL March for the world against homophobia day leaves 7pm outside the Sheraton.
VALLARTA PRIDE PARADE | 7PM We’re back and ready to march! Join the Vallarta Pride Parade as it starts at the Sheraton and makes its way down the Malecon and into the Zona Romantica.
WEDNESDAY MAY 25 2022 PINK DINNER – PRIDE KICK OFF | TOP SKY BAR, ALMAR - 7.30PM Kick off Vallarta Pride at the Pink Dinner Fundraiser for Vallarta Pride at the Top Bar at Almar Resort with stunning ocean views and incredible food. Hosted by Billboard Recording Artist Brian Kent! PINK DINNER AFTER PARTY | ONE SIX ONE -10PM After dinner…the party begins! The Pink Dinner is the official kick off for Vallarta Pride 2021 and this year! When the dinners are done, the party goes on!!! Join those in attendance and those that couldn’t make the dinner for the Official Pink Dinner After Party at the brand new One Six One bar. DJ Pony brings us the vocal house music…and with craft cocktails, craft beers, a patio and a two level rooftop, there’s plenty of partying to do!
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VALLARTA PRIDE BLOCK FESTIVAL | LAZARO CARDENAS STREET 2PM – 2AM Our Pride Block Party just doubled in size - Two stages of talents, vendors, performances and world class celebrities take to the stage for a night to remember.
FRIDAY, MAY 27 2022 VALLARTA PRIDE SUNSET CRUISE | MARINA VALLARTA (OPEQUIMAR), 5PM Join your host Jet de la Isla for an unforgettable night of delicious food, amazing entertainment and a stunning sunset in the incredible Bay of Banderas onboard one of the largest and most luxurious catamarans in the bay the Limo Lux. Puerto Vallarta’s own Chef Roman Ventura has created an exceptional menu of gourmet hors d’oeuvres to tantalize your tastebuds while enjoying premium cocktails and exciting entertainment including singing sensation Karma La Perra, DJ Danni Boy, dancer Juan Pablo King and more. With partial proceeds being donated to SETAC this is an event that should not be missed!
SATURDAY MAY 28 2022 DRAG DERBY | PULPITO STREET - 5 PM TO 8:30 PM The Annual Pulpito Drag Derby transforms Calle Pulpito and the Pinnacle stairs into a Drag Race Track and giant block-party featuring music, laughs, entertainment and another amazing (drag) race. The winners receive cash prizes and a chance to compete in the Drag Derby Finals in Denver Colorado! You can review the entire calendar of activities and buy tickets on their website. WWW.VALLARTAPRIDE.ORG
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BEAR PRIDE VALLARTA 2022 The Bear community will also celebrate Pride in style by having a calendar of activities and events full of good energy, music and beautiful handsome men. Bearadise® Beach will feature a variety of all-inclusive 8-hour beach parties designed for bears, their friends and admirers. Unlimited food and unlimited premium bar, live DJ, lots of sexy men, playful activities and entertainment await you. In true Bearadise® style, clothing and swimwear are optional! Bearadise® Beach promises guests a decadent and memorable experience, friendly service filled with positive energy and physical freedom. You can review the entire calendar of activities and buy tickets on their website. WWW.BEARADISEMX.COM
WED MAY 25: MEET & GREET ROCCO STEELE
THURS MAY 26: LA FIESTA CACHONDA | STUDS BEAR BAR 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM
FRI MAY 27: BEAR SOUP | THE POOL CLUB AT CASA CUPULA 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM DADDY ISSUES | STUDS BEAR BAR 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM
SAT MAY 28: DIRTY DISCO | THE POOL CLUB AT CASA CUPULA 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3X LEATHER BY BEARMEX | STUDS BEAR BAR 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM
SUN MAY 29: T-DANCE GRAND FINALE | BEARADISE BEACH 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
PUERTO VALLARTA LESBIAN PRIDE 2022 Women, unfortunately, have been
fun spaces for women to celebrate
underrepresented at Vallarta’s pride
pride in one of the most gay friendly
events. In 2014 Pink and Proud star-
cities in Mexico.
ted LGBTQ Women’s events during Pride but didn’t get much support from the rest of the community. With more LGBTQ women travelling to Puerto Vallarta as a destination
You can review the entire calendar of activities and buy tickets on their website. WWW.PVLESBIANPRIDE.COM
organizers hope to create safe and
WED MAY 25:
SAT MAY 28:
MEET & GREET MIXER | OCULTO RESTAURANT 7-9 PM
TROPICAL CARNIVAL BEACH PARTY NOON- 5PM | SAPPHIRE BEACHCLUB
THURS MAY 26: PRIDE PARADE 6-8PM, WELCOME PARTY | ELIXIR MIXOLOGY BAR 9-2AM
FRI MAY 27: VAQUERA LATIN PARTY | PANCHO VILLA 9PM-2AM
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PRIDE FIESTA PARTY | CJ BBQ RESTAURANT 9PM-2AM
SUN MAY 29: TACOS & PRIDE TOUR | 3-5PM CLOSING OUT PARTY | ELIXIR MIXOLOGY BAR 8PM-2AM
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NUESTRO ORGULLO FESTIVAL
Second edition “Visible Him, Her, Them” Nuestro Orgullo is a Festival created by SETAC that makes visible and celebrates the diversity within the LGBTIQ+ community is a celebration conceived by and for the community. They create platforms and forums to proudly show part of what we are and what represents us. Artists, activists, influencers, professionals, social actors, public figures and authorities, all gathered to show and share with everyone their great work and the pride of being diverse. The second edition will take place on the sidelines of the "Gay Pride" celebration in Puerto Vallarta, on May 20,21,22 and 23, 2022. The Festival is made up of a circuit of activities that will take place over 4 days.
The proposal consists of a Diverse Program designed by the LGBTIQ+ community, but of great interest to the general public that promotes diversity, values, culture, art, health, community and family. Here we are all welcome. Some of the confirmed guests will be the mexican drag king Paper Cut, the sex educator and DJ Alicia Delicia, the multidisciplinary and make up artist Negra Conda and the clinical psychologist specializing in HIV Psychologist Miguel Subero. To find out about all the activities, workshops and parties, consult Nuestro Orgullo Festival's QR code and don't be left out! You can review the entire calendar of activities and buy tickets on their website.
WWW.NUESTROORGULLO.GREENCARDPV.COM
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 57
MAP AND INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ZONA ROMANTICA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
Act2PV Alfredo Sanchez, Real Estate Agent, Tropicasa Realty Almar Resort Arriba Bar and Restaurant Atelier 2020. Arte de hoy Blue PV´s Boutique Bar Brett Rowe, Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker La Costa Cassandra Shaw Jewelry CHB Clothing Store David Hoffman, Real Estate Agent, Tropicasa Realty Decoraciones Suarez Dr. Omar Hernandez - Doctor Puerto Vallarta Elixir Mixology Bar Top Skybar Frida´s Kitchen Follies La Rouge Guey Studio Hotel Mercurio Hamam Turkish Spa Juicy Drags Studs and Therapy Bars Incanto La Chachalaca Bar Monica Miller, Real Estate Agent, Ryan Donner & Associates Lix Ice Cream Louis Whitaker Mantamar Beach Club Mercurio Swimwear One Six One Papi Chulo Sauna PV
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31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45.
Reflections Bistro Rentals PV Ryan Donner & Associates Samson Waters Spartacus SETAC Zona Romantica The Palm Cabaret & Bar Trattoria Di Nuovo Timothy Real Estate Group Vallarta Experiences Yamada Xocodiva Vallarta Medical Center Eden Pool & Lounge Garden RedFish Seafood Market
OUTSIDE ZONA ROMANTICA A. B. C. D. E. F.
Contractor PV Lix Ice Cream SETAC Versalles Vallarta Medical Center La Tienda Grande Restaurant Vallarta Food Tours
OTHERS • • • • • • • •
Dr. Aurelio Jimenez - Doctor at Home PV Expat Insurance Marco Hernandez, Massage Therapy Roman Ventura Chef services Vallarta Pride TheOD Foundation Jason Dottley PV Now Entertainment Guide
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Local Business
BRETT ROWE, REAL ESTATE AGENT COLDWELL BANKER LA COSTA
Directory
Brett manages his own properties in Chicago and New York, Brett is excited to be living and working in Puerto Vallarta creating relationships to help people find their dream property.
SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING ADVERTISERS WHO ARE SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL LGBTQ+ MAGAZINE. SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PARTICULAR BUSINESS.
David is a world traveler, but his heart and home is in Puerto Vallarta. He loves Mexico and its people. He’s bought and sold real estate for many years - his own homes, rental properties, and his then-Puerto Vallarta vacation home.
Art Gallery ATELIER 2020 - ARTE DE HOY A refreshing breeze to Vallarta’s artistic venues, Atelier 2020 – arte de hoy, fulfills the need for a space focussing on contemporary abstract art
DAVID HOFFMAN, REAL ESTATE AGENT TROPICASA REALTY
MONICA MILLER, REAL ESTATE AGENT RYAN DONNER & ASSOCIATES Monica was born in the San Francisco bay area and raised two sons in the Napa Valley. Monica’s background is personal and business finance.
RYAN DONNER & ASSOCIATES
Furniture/Interior Design/Building CONTRACTOR PV ContractorPV is a construction, and design firm with a focus of Implementation of new development in Puerto Vallarta.
DECORACION SUAREZ With more than 20 years of experience, Decoracion Suarez can help you with blinds and curtains, custom made to fit your new home or condo. Installation provided.
GUEY DESIGN STUDIO Are you looking to build your dream home in Puerto Vallarta and not sure where to start? The team at Guey Design Studio can help!
Ryan Donner quickly climbed the ranks of the real estate business in Puerto Vallarta. In 2018 he began forming his team of agents that work under him while he worked as a realtor himself.
TIMOTHY REAL ESTATE GROUP Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with strategic sales office locations throughout the Bay of Banderas from the Romantic Zone to Sayulita.
Entertainment ACT2PV The performers are top-notch and there is also a fully equipped bar where you can relax before and after a show.
FOLLIES LAROUGE
Real Estate
Main Stage at ACT2PV A professionally choreographed Broadway/Vaudeville/Burlesque show, presented by Kimberly LaRue. SUNDAYS - 7:00 PM. Watch Follies LA Rouge on Sundays at 7p.m. and Reveal on Monday’s at 9:30 p.m.
ALFREDO SANCHEZ, REAL ESTATE AGENT TROPICASA REALTY
Incanto specializes in bringing together different forms of art in one place, music, theater, comedy, and literary events.
Alfredo has more than 14 years of experience with Tropicasa Realty, and is passionate to help you find your Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit dream home.
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INCANTO
LOUIS WHITAKER Louis Whitaker performs 7 days a week in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Find out more about his shows and where to buy tickets online.
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PV NOW ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE Can’t keep up with all of the great shows and entertainment in Puerto Vallarta? Let us do the work for you! Download this App from the Apple or Play store! For more information www.pvnow.mx
THE PALM CABARET & BAR The Palm has been a part of Puerto Vallart’s entertainment scene for more than 21 years. It is Puerto Vallarta’s oldest live entertainment venue in Old Town.
VALLARTA PRIDE Vallarta Pride is a week-long annual event that pays tribute to the LGBTQ community.
Healthcare DR. AURELIO JIMENEZ DOCTOR AT HOME PV Dr. Jimenez makes house calls! Yes, if you’re feeling ill and need medical assistance, Dr. Jimenze and his associates offer a home consultation service.
DR. OMAR HERNÁNDEZ DOCTOR PUERTO VALLARTA (MSc Public Health - King’s College London) offers a wide range of professional services, including medical consultation, physical examinations, check-ups, vaccinations, and more!
EXPAT INSURANCE Got insurance? Don´t become a GoFundMe campaign and make sure you have insurance. Brett LaMar is an insurance agent who represents multiple insurance companies.
SETAC SETAC provides health services programs for LGBTQ residents of Puerto Vallarta.
VALLARTA MEDICAL CENTER With modern facilities and cutting-edge medical equipment, Vallarta Medical Center’s healthcare staff is ready to provide medical, surgical and hospital care.
Restaurants and Bars
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BLUE - PV’S BOUTIQUE BAR Daily Specials and great music with a DJ are waiting for you at BLUE. Open from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Follow our social media for daily specials.
ELIXIR MIXOLOGY BAR Elixir Mixology Bar predominant meeting and gathering spot for the lesbian and queer women in the community.
FRIDA’S KITCHEN Join us at Frida’s Kitchen with Chef Alberto Cuvea. Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Check social media for specials.
JUICY DRAGS/NOSH TURKISH BITES Offering all day breakfast, vegetarian, vegan and fun options for food and drinks. Juice bar, smoothies and snacks all served with either a Turkish or Mexican flavor.
LA CHACHALACA BAR Located just a few minutes from the Los Muertos Pier and a few blocks from the gay beach area, La ChaChalaca Bar has an open-air patio and air conditioned bar.
LA TIENDA GRANDE RESTAURANT Creative Cuisine Exalting Mexican Food by Chef Salvador Carrillo, the concept of La Tienda Grande restaurant consists of offering creative Mexican cuisine, where the flavors and aromas are mixed with a decoration that stands out for the small details recalling the ancient Mexico.
LIX ICE CREAM Lix has multiple locations in Puerto Vallarta and they offer delivery service. This homemade ice cream is some of the best, and with unique flavors sure to capture your taste buds.
ONE SIX ONE An upscale environment with a 'living room lounge' ambience, One Six One offers live DJ'd house music, craft cocktails, an outside patio and a rooftop.
REFLECTIONS BISTRO Its menu is a mixture of fast food-gourmet-Mexican, you can order from the mini pepperoni or cheese pizza to the cheese, spinach and tomato panini or the serrano ham.
ARRIBA BAR AND RESTAURANT
STUDS BAR
Arriba has this unusual and delicious American Classic, Fried pickles! Found only in Arriba Puerto Vallarta.
Touting itself as the city’s first bear and leather bar, Studs bar offers popular DJs playing the best in House & dance beats, nice leather couches, incredible lighting design and a very private area where the leather community can feel free and comfortable. SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 61
THERAPY BAR
MERCURIO SWIMWEAR
From brunch to dancing, this unique craft cocktail bar with house beats, has an atmosphere that changes as the day progresses.
Mercurio Swim provides men’s swimwear of high quality, excellent fit, and limited production for local guys and tourists. At Mercurio Swim, we’re very serious about quality and quality control.
TRATTORIA DI NUOVO New location! Francisco I. Madero 441, Col. Emiliano Zapata 48380 , Traditional Italian Trattoria located in the heart of the romantic zone of Puerto Vallarta.
YAMADA This Japanese Restaurant welcomes you to enjoy fresh sushi rolls or a hibachi meal.
Spas and Fun HAMAM TURKISH SPA By appointment only Hamam Turkish Spa is a boutique authentic hamam spa that provides an oasis of tranquility and revitalization.
PAPI CHULO SAUNA PV Puerto Vallart’s newest (and second) sauna. Lockers, steam room, showers, video room, play room and more!
SPARTACUS With more than 4,000 square feet, Spartacus is a men’s only gay sauna/bath house located in the gay district of Puerto Vallarta, Zona Romantica.
XOCODIVA Handmade right here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, these custom chocolate treats start with the finest Belgian chocolate and the freshest local ingredients.
Places to Stay/Rentals ALMAR RESORT From luxury suites to sexy suites, fabulous pool parties, and spectacular sunsets, makes us a unique LGBT Resort and one of the world’s best party venues in the very famous Zona Romantica of Puerto Vallarta, better known as the Gayborhood of Puerto Vallarta. Almar includes great entertainment and food options Including The Top Sky Bar, Eden Pool & Lounge Garden and Redfish Seafood Market.
HOTEL MERCURIO Hotel Mercurio has been ‘home’ for LGBTQ guests for nearly two decades. Arriving for your stay with them, you’ll feel the warm and welcoming embrace of greeting beloved friends.
RENTALS PV Offering apartment rentals in Puerto Vallarta, in the heart of the Romantic Zone, Old Town, just one block from the beach Playa Los Muertos.
SAMSON WATERS
Tours VALLARTA FOOD TOURS Vallarta’s number ONE tour with more than 2,600 five-star TripAdvisor reviews.
Samson Waters offers vacation rentals, concierge services, and property management. With a staff that prides themselves on an ability to understand its guests needs and provide an experience that will surpass all expectations.
Specialized Services Retail Stores CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY Cassandra Shaw Jewelry carries over twelve Mexican and international designers who live and design in various regions of Mexico.
CHB CLOTHING STORE CHB Clothing Store offers men’s clothing inspired by beach wear. Owned by Christian H Banderas, the collection of clothing offers a fresh look including shirts, shorts, swimwear and so much more.
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ROMAN VENTURA CHEF SERVICES PROFESSIONAL CHEF IN YOUR HOME Professional Chef serving globally-inspired, Mexican-influenced cuisine. Dinners and events for 2-30 people in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding area.
JASON DOTTLEY’S BIG GAY PV www.biggaypv.com Full-service LGBTQ concierge plus reviews, interviews and all things fabulously gay in PV.
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JASON DOTTLEY’S COLLABORATION CONNECTION www.GayCollab.com Adult content creators’ ultimate site to connect with collaborators. Dottley offers studio and promo services: directing, editing, producing.
JASON DOTTLEY BIG GAY SUMMER www.JasonsPV.com The only link needed to stay up-to-date on all of Jason Dottley’s events this summer.
MARCO HERNANDEZ MASSAGE THERAPY Offering sensual, erotic and therapeautic massages, Marco brings massage to a new level to help your body and mind heal emotionally.
OUT AND ABOUT PUERTO VALLARTA
LGBTQ+ Magazine
Puerto Vallarta Community News, Entertainment & Lifestyle
MANTAMAR BEACH CLUB Mantamar, best beach club in Puerto Vallarta, offering the friendliest atmosphere in the greatest location.
THEOD FOUNDATION TheOD Foundation is 501(c)(3) that provides counseling and emotional support to currently and formerly incarcerated LGBTQ individuals, as well as those serving alternate forms of criminal supervision.
VALLARTA EXPERIENCES Offering Off the Path Tours & Photo Shoot. Join Ezeqkiel as your guide and photographer. Discover little gem towns, not far from Vallarta with a totally different atmosphere than the Vallarta you think or know.
Follow us! Out & About Puerto Vallarta @outandaboutpv @outandaboutpv @outandaboutpv Out & About Puerto Vallarta (O&APV)
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SUMMER OF PRIDE 2022 • 63
Do you have an architectural project in mind?
GUEY STUDIO
We can make it happen.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Aphrodite Velvet Crowned First-Ever Chacha Queen CAPTURES JUDGES ATTENTION WITH ARTISTIC QUALITY, ORIGINALITY AND INTERPRETATION AT CHACHALACA BAR
By Salvador Dominguez
APHRODITE VELVET TOOK HOME TOP HONORS AND WAS CROWNED CHACHA QUEEN RECENTLY AS CHACHALACA BAR HELD IT’S FIRST-EVER CHACHA QUEEN CONTEST TO A STANDING-ROOM ONLY CROWD.
Aphrodite Velvet walked away with the new title and crown, $8,000 pesos in cash, $3,000 pesos for consumption at Hotel Mercurio, a coupon for consumption at Apaches Martini Bar, a facial and nails by Fancy Factory. Velvet was the undisputed winner, who managed to captivate the public and especially the tough judges with two full shows of artistic quality, originality and interpretation. London Frost was named runner-up queen and third place went to Miss Alexa with her funny performances. The three top queens were narrowed down from a field of 13, with each presenting an incredible show before the judges and the public. For the outandaboutpv.com
second part of the night, the judges chose six finalists, who received criticism from the experts and returned to present each one with a different show. The event began at 8 p.m. sharp and before that time it was already packed with attendees who were going to support the queens who would compete for the crown. Friends, family and drag fans gathered at Chachalaca Bar to witness this first edition in support of local Drag in Puerto Vallarta. The funny and talented drag queens Holy D’Grail and Xuxu were the hosts who kept everyone attentive with their jokes and great sense of humor. Christopher Biles and Ricardo Lopez, owners of Chachalaca Bar, were the great hosts of the event. In addition, Richie (Ricardo) delighted us with a great drag performance as the opening.The event had the support of friendly sponsors from Chachalaca such as Hotel Mercurio, Apaches Martini Bar, Fancy Factory and Vinos America who joined in supporting
the new queens. Judges included Jybra Queen, Diva Divine, Karla Fifi, Lizbeth Marquez de la Vega and Mizz Peaches. All national drag queens with a track record and well received by the public, who currently perform with great success both in PV and in other cities in Mexico. Chacha Queen was an idea conceived by Ricardo to support the local Vallarta drag scene. “Chacha Queen, I thought of it to show the public the new talent of PV in our community, open more doors of work to the queens and so that our clients and visitors have more variety and entertainment,” he said. “Mainly it’s to support new girls who are starting in the art of drag.” It was standing room only in Chachalaca Bar and with the heat of Vallarta and the spirits of the people the emotion overflowed, it was a high spirited night. After the respective shows of the six finalists we were able to have a break while the judges deliberated and then we were
entertained with a couple of special presentations by the great guests of the night. It is worth noting the great professionalism of all the Chachalaca Bar staff who were attentive to the public at all times and that the event did not lose pace and everyone felt comfortable. In addition, the effort that each of the queens put into her performance in costumes, makeup and presentation is appreciated. We look forward to the second edition of Chacha Queen 2023. Be sure to support local drag and every time you hear about their shows, follow them on social networks, run to see them at Chachalaca Bar and don’t forget to always tip them.
Encuentra nuestra versión en español en:
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