KENYA CUEVAS’ REVENGE:

SPREADING LOVE IN

KENYA CUEVAS, VALLARTA

PRIDE’S 2024 AMBASSADOR, HAS EMERGED AS A PROMINENT ADVOCATE FOR LGBTQ+ RIGHTS IN MEXICO OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS. SHE ESTABLISHED ’CASA DE LAS MUÑECAS TIRESIAS’ IN MEXICO, THREE SHELTERS DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING TRANS WOMEN AND THOSE IN VULNERABLE SITUATIONS AND SHE LOBBIED AND HELPED GET THE MEXICO CITY LAW PROTECTING TRANS WOMEN, THE PAOLA BUENROSTRO LAW, PASSED. HER EFFORTS FINALLY GAINED NATIONAL RECOGNITION WHEN FORBES MAGAZINE NAMED HER ONE OF MEXICO'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN.

Kenya's life story resonates deeply with those who meet her. Through her eponymous documentary and her active participation in conferences and talks, she has demonstrated that sharing her experiences can lead to significant social change.

This year marked a pivotal moment for her during the 11th season of Vallarta Pride. Kenya led the parade on a funeral float, a poignant tribute referring to her beginning in activism - reflecting back to when she marched with Paola Buenrostro's coffin in 2016, calling for justice in Mexico City. This symbolic act reflected both the pain and the harsh realities faced by Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community, which continues to grapple with violence, discrimination, and systemic impunity.

Activism In Puerto Vallarta

Kenya's work in Puerto Vallarta underscores her importance in the fight for rights and being vallarta Pride’s ambassador underscores a powerful commitment to addressing local needs and driving social change. Her activism began with the Rainbow Race, where she raised the rainbow flag at the stadium outside the Romantic Zone neighborhood. She was invited by Victor Espindola, a leader with Movement for Equality in Mexico (MOVII). That same weekend, she screened her documentary at the International Convention Center. Later, in May, she was inaugurated as the ambassador of Vallarta Pride, where she not only led the parade, but also delivered a conference in collaboration with the Trevor Project.

Her commitment to advocacy continues with the Vallarta Diversity Network, local politicians and authorities, as she lobbies for a version of the Paola Buenrostro Law in the state of Jalisco.

Kenya’s impact on Puerto Vallarta can be seen in the founding and government continuation with the Municipal Diversity Council. She presented the Guide to Care for Diverse Women at the Women’s Justice Center. Furthermore, she organized health awareness events. She went on to extend her outreach to a university and a high school with conferences and also provided training for civil servants and prison staff on understanding and respecting sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

Her tenure as Vallarta Pride ambassador is ongoing, Kenya’s influence extends beyond speeches and initiatives. Her story, advocacy, and voice are vital for raising awareness and transforming mindsets. Each visit and engagement she undertakes reinforces her dedication to a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community in Puerto Vallarta and beyond.

The Ultimate Revenge

Kenya’s catchphrase in life is that “her ultimate revenge is to be happy.” And she often ends her conference talks with the community celebrating happiness.

But despite the demanding schedule that comes with her tireless work defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, Kenya is celebrating a personal milestone this year when, in a heartfelt moment under the iconic pier in Los Muertos beach, her boyfriend — Ángel Ramírez, proposed marriage—which—filled with emotion and certainty of their love, Kenya accepted with a resounding “yes.” (Watch photo on page 62)

Kenya and Ángel’s paths first crossed through their respective social work initiatives. Ángel leads ARCA, an organization focused on reducing substance abuse risks and promoting new masculinities. It was their mutual recognition at an awards ceremony that brought them closer and prompted them to celebrate together. Before long, they realized that their journey was just beginning. Amidst their busy lives, they found ways to intertwine their aspirations for a more equitable world while reinforcing their bond. Together, Kenya and Ángel exemplify that love flourishes not only in tranquil times but also through shared battles.

Today, she is happily in love, she’s alive, and she's enjoying life like never before. Despite the persistent challenges, Kenya is thriving, illustrating that she has carved out her place in the world through love and resilience.

And once again love seems to be the true revenge that paves the way for happiness for all.

Model: Kenya Cuevas & Angel Ramírez

Photography: Oscar Almeida

Hair & Makeup: Eduardo Guzmán

Jewelry: Cassandra Shaw

Location: Terraza del Mar, Dajani Properties Flower Crown: Nathaniel Echeverría

Photography Assistant: Karla Macedo

Special Thanks to: Víctor Espíndola