Fall 2023

outandaboutpv.com • FALL 2023 • 1

2 • FALL 2023 • outandaboutpv.com


REMEMBERING VALLARTA’S PAST

THAT SHAPED ITS FUTURE

Puerto Vallarta has not always been a

gay mecca or even a gay-friendly beach

town. It, like many places, has evolved

with the times.

Many would say that the gay evolution of

Vallarta began with the 1964 film Night

of the Iguana. Richard Burton starred in

the film, and had an affair with Elizabeth

Taylor during their time in Vallarta. Even

building homes and spending time here.

But the true history of how Vallarat became

Mexico’s gay San Francisco is much

more complex.

Many people played a part in its evolution,

some of whom we profile in this

issue. Politics and money also played a

part - like it does in most cases.

We’ve tried hard to capture the significant

moments of Vallarta’s gay history in

these pages and chronicle those tidbits

of time - but realize that we’ve probably

missed a few items. And because

memories fade, some accounts that

people have shared may or may not be

completely accurate.

We also didn’t have space or time to

research and capture all of the moments

in history that we wanted to. We focused

on those events that helped shape and

form Puerto Vallarta into the welcoming

gay city- and the neighborhood of Zona

Romantica - that it has become.

We hope you enjoy this glimpse into

Puerto Vallarta’s rich history and some of

the people that helped shape its future.

Jerry Jones

Editor and Publisher

Index

05 Paco Ruiz Known To Be

the “Founding Father of

Gay Vallarta”

10 1982:

Vallarta’s First Gay Bar

Makes its Debut

14 Gay Bars That Once

Were, Made History In

Their Heyday

20 Mark Rome Set

the Stage For Theater

in Puerto Vallarta

30 Five Gay Bars Anchor

Vallarta’s Gay History and

Continue to Thrive

47 Puerto Vallarta Launched

Mexico’s First LGBTQ+

Tourism Campaigns

50 Paul Crist Reflects On

How Vallarta Has Evolved

54 Timeline for significant

gay events that have

happened in Puerto Vallarta

58 Three Gay Publications

Serve Puerto Vallarta,

Offering Directories and

Newsand Continue to

Thrive

66 Vallarta Pride Celebrates

Ten Years After Business

Owners Organized First

Pride in 2013

EQUIPO

PUBLICISTA Y SOCIO

PROPIETARIO

Jerry Jones

Jerry@outandaboutpv.com

DISEÑO GRÁFICO Y

PUBLICITARIO

Marco Encinas

direccion@marcoencinas.com

VENTAS DIGITALES Y EVENTOS

Rande Lee

PORTADA

Oscar Almeida

VENTAS Y RELACIONES

PÚBLICAS

Gerwin Rutten

Gerwin@outandaboutpv.com

FOTOGRAFÍA,

VIDEOGRAFÍA,REDES SOCIALES

Oscar Almeida

Oscar@outandaboutpv.com

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

ACERCA DE NOSOTROS

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trimestral gratuita de Puerto Vallarta con contenido LGBT de Puerto Vallarta y áreas

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Paco Ruiz Known To Be the

“Founding Father of

Gay Vallarta”

PACO RUIZ (FRANCISCO RUIZ ACEVES), WHO FOUNDED ONE OF THE

FIRST THREE GAY NIGHTCLUBS IN PUERTO VALLARTA, IS CITED BY MANY

AS BEING THE FOUNDING FATHER OF GAY VALLARTA.


He and his husband, David Lansley,

were so involved in gay life on South

side of Puerto Vallarta (known as Old

Town or Zona Romantica), that they

helped make it into the popular LGB-

TQ+ tourist destination it is today.

Paco and David were together for 30

years, as boyfriends and then husbands.

Their first nightclub, nwhich

was initially located on Pino Suárez

Street in 1989, and years later to

move to Ignacio L. Vallarta Street,

where this place called Paco Paco

remained for a long time

In addition to the nightclub, the two

expanded the brand to include the

businesses Paco´s Descanso del

Sol (a gay hotel), Paco´s Olas Altas,

Paco´s Paradise (a nude beach) and

Paco´s Ranch.

“I think that we owe a huge debt of

gratitude to a few people who came

before us. But two people in particular

stand out, Paco Ruiz and David Lansley,”

said Paul Crist, who owns Mercurio

Hotel and Mercurio Swimwear, and


a long time resident and businessman

in Puerto Vallarta. “Paco and David

were the original owners of Paco Paco

(now Paco’s Ranch). They were the

pioneers who built the foundations

of what has become the most vibrant

and popular gay destination in Latin

America.”

But it was the activism and challenging

local authities that perhaps made the

biggest difference in local life.


Photo provided by: Angie Star

Not long after Paco Paco opened

in December 1989, Vallarta Police

would regularly harass Paco and his

customers, not only putting him in

jail but also demanding bribes. One

one occasion, he was arrested for

two lesbians kissing in his bar. But

this time, instead of paying bribes to

get him out, his partner David called

media organizations in Mexico City.

It just so happened that a national

TV personality, Nino Canun, was in

Puerto Vallarta at the time, taping

his talk show, ¿Y Usted... Que Opina?

Word filtered down and Canun

ended up interviewing Ruiz for the

show. The show was one of the most

popular shows in Mexico at that

time, and the attention embarrassed

local leaders.

”His case became one of those momentary

media sensations all over

Mexico. It was on all the newscasts

on TV and PV's mayor was not pleased.

In fact he pretty much freaked

out, because it made Vallarta the

laughing stock of the moment,”

wrote Ed Walsh in a 2009 article in

the SF Gay Travel Examiner.

Walsh went on to note in the article

that it wasn’t long after that the city

embraced gay tourism.

“But most important was that Paco

was probably the first gay activist

or business owner who stood up

to corrupt and homophobic police

and city officials. He was a force to

be reckoned with,” Crist explained.

“He often accompanied drag and

trans people to the local jail when

they were rounded up on invented

(or planted) charges. He simply said

“NO!” when city officials tried to

shake down his and other small gay

owned businesses. For all they did,

they both died in relative poverty and

obscurity. There are many reasons for

that and blame to go around. But they

should be recognized for the tremendous

contributions they made.”

David Lansley passed away on

Friday, July 4, 2014 at the age of

60. Paco Ruiz died in 2016 at 62

years old.

Lansley not only helped Ruiz with

his businesses, he also helped found

the city’s first gay publication, Gay

Guide Vallarta.

Encuentra

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Join the

fiesta!


1982:

Vallarta’s First Gay Bar

Makes its Debut

VICKY MACEDO CONVERTS FAMILY HOME TO MAKE LOS BALCONES PUERTO

VALLARTA’S FIRST GAY BAR

BY RANDE LEE

In 1982, a young Lesbian named

Vicky Macedo made history. She

converted her family home, where

she had been raised at Juarez 182,

Centro, into the first openly gay bar

in Puerto Vallarta.

Her beloved father had died some

years before, and her mother subsequently

moved to Colonia El Cerro.

The house was vacant, and needed

a purpose. Vicky decided to give it

a big one, and by doing so, she and

her bar are now forever a part of the

gay history of Puerto Vallarta.

Vicky was a writer, an artist, a

theater performer in Mexico City,

and above all else, a kind and fun

loving person. She wanted to create

a welcoming environment for the

increasing number of mostly gay

male tourists who were, at that time,

beginning to discover this Pacific

Coast gem.

Los Balcones, in English, the balconies,

had five balconies, all with an

incredible view of the streets below.

Two looked down onto Libertad, and

three looked down onto the busy

street of Juarez.

I learned the history of Vallarta’s

first bar on a steamy night in early

August, 2023. I had the pleasure

of visiting with Osiel Echeverria, a

former Los Balcones regular, Tom

Finley, Owner of Bar Frida 4.0, and

Victor Ceja, a Los Balcones employee

from 1986 until the early 2000s.

Happy memories were shared about

a time now belonging to the storied

past.

Puerto Vallarta, even at that time, was

more open to differences than most

other Mexican cities in the region.

Therefore, Vicky gambled that

her idea of a bar catering to a gay

clientele would be accepted, or at

least tolerated by the local power



structure. She had a beautiful

circular bar constructed that placed

the handsome bartender right in the

middle of all the action.

“It had a carousel feel,” recalled

Tom, “and was the perfect design

for cruising.” Tom continued, smiling

“the bartender had his own unique

way of mixing cocktails.”

The bar became an instant hit, it was

friendly, welcoming, and was known

as the perfect spot for Americans to

meet locals. Patrons would arrive,

buy a ticket from the cashier, and

then take the ticket up to the bar

to get a drink. After grabbing their

drink, guys were then able to find

their favorite perch on the balcony,

just in time to view the abundance

of scenery below.

You could hoist a drink to an appealing

young man standing across the

street, and if he was interested, he

would climb the stairway, and join

the revelry on the balcony above.

“We all knew each other,” recalled

Osiel, “it was like a reunion every

day,” he said smiling.

Victor reminisced how the rest of

the staff routinely called him by the

nickname of Vicky, as he was known

as Vicky Macedo’s right hand man.

His favorite memory of Los Balcones

was from 1995, when Drag Queen

Nights were introduced. They were

incredibly well received, and according

to Victor, they were the first

drag queen contests open to the

public in all of Puerto Vallarta.

The bar was popular beyond belief

for many years, but as time passed,

competition increased into the market

that they alone once inhabited.

In 1997, Vicky sold the bar to her

sister in law, named Magali.

In 2000, Los Balcones changed to

more of a club style atmosphere,

playing techno music and other

rhythms of the day.

With that change in mind, the much

beloved circular bar was removed.

The 2000s passed quickly, and as

the later part of that decade arrived,

the bar's popularity started to

decline. In 2008 the bar was named

“Room Service” and promoted itself

as a “ new lesbian-owned club,


trying to carve out a space for local

queer women.”

Vicky died peacefully in Puerto

Vallarta in 2008, the city where she

was born.

In 2009 the well known landmark

closed permanently. In 2011, for a

brief period, a gay bar by the name

of Creama occupied the space. In

2012 a straight bar opened there

called “Rock Show Bar” and closed

in 2017.

Though gone, nothing can diminish

the incredible memories of that time

long ago, and the proud designation

of Los Balcones, Vicky Macedo’s

dream, as Puerto Vallarta’s very first

gay bar.

Encuentra

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Photo provided by: Out & About PV

Gay Bars That Once Were,

Made History In Their Heyday

BY RANDE LEE

WALKING AROUND PUERTO

VALLARTA NOW, THERE ARE GAY

BARS IN JUST ABOUT EVERY DI-

RECTION. AND WHILE IT'S DIFFI-

CULT TO KEEP COUNT BECAUSE

OF THE OPENING AND CLOSING

OF THEM, AT LAST COUNT WE

COUNTED AT LEAST 35 OF ALL

SIZES CATERING TO ALL TYPES.

This however, was not always the

case. There are some, very special,

now defunct bars that made history

and many memories. Visiting with;

Ricardo Brehm, Paul Crist, Geoff Dodds,

Osiel Echeverra, and Wendell

Martin, over a period of days in late

August, we reminisced about some

of them. The recollections of Club

Manana are from my own memory

of that period in time.

The Great Recession in 2009 took

out many of the older bars that just

could not survive. They included

Amor, Bite Me Beach Club, Casanovas,

world famous Club Manana,

Deja Vecu, El Pianito, Freedom PV,

Kit Kat, KokoHome Club, Kox, La

Bola, Los Balcones, Los Equipales,

Miseria, Picante, Plasma/Club Zenit,

Stereo, Stonewall, The Ranch, and

Tease. We focused on a few of

these here.

ARIA was located at Pino Suárez

212, Zona Romántica, where the

PVRPV laundry center now stands. It

was opened in that space after Paco

Paco moved out of its original location

(we think in the mid 1990s). The

owner was Darrell Boyer, a talented

comedian, piano player and singer

from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Known for

their happy hour, Aria was popular

and fun. Occupying two levels, the

action seemed centered on the second

floor. The proprietor did all the

entertaining, and he was a natural at

it. Sadly, he died young, but left his

mark on the history of gay Puerto

Vallarta. It closed in 2001.


CLUB MANANA, to put it simply,

was magic. Opening in late 2005,

it was located where the massive Zenith

Vallarta condo now stands, in an

incredible old hacienda that was for

a time the home of the club's well

known owner, Peter Deep.

For eight action packed years patrons

enjoyed top rated entertainment,

dancers, eclectic music, all

in a phenomenal atmosphere. I remember

many a night, dancing into

the wee hours, the moon overhead

and the glistening pool just below,

hoping it would never end.

Manana, as it was commonly known,

was alive with a kinetic energy,

sound, and humanity moving in

rhythm that is almost unimaginable

today. The bar was really an entertainment

complex with completely

different offerings all happening

simultaneously.

The main lower level had a space

with a cool indoor bar, while the

circular courtyard had tables and

chairs and the shining stars directly

above. A huge dance floor was

just beneath a stage, with the pool

nearby. At the periphery of the

hacienda surrounded by rustic brick

was comfortable seating where

you could easily meet someone at

a moment’s notice. Upstairs was

an intimate darkroom, and I recall

a rooftop lounge area where you

could while away those nights that

seemed to never end.

Due to a list of circumstances the

club closed in 2011 (it reopened

in mid-2012 for a short time), but

it lives on forever in the collective

memory of all those who remember

Peter Deep’s phenomenal dream

called Club Manana.


@TAMALESTOURS

/TAMALESTOURS

WWW.TAMALESTOURS.COM



LOS EQUIPALES was a cantina

favorite, opening in 2010 at what

is now Kooky’s Karaoke Bar. Owned

by Marisol Gomez, the daughter of

a former council member of Puerto

Vallarta, it was very popular with

local Gays and Lesbians.

PLASMA was located where The

Park condos now stand (235 Pino

Suarez) and opened in 2006. It had

videos on the plasma screen, pool

table, and dark room. $15 pesos

beer. It was a combination of two adjacent

properties, a laid back bar on

one side, and a more sexy, stripper,

go go boys vibe on the other side. It

closed in 2009.

ZOTANO AND POR QUE NO/

WHY NOT? was at 101 Morelos in

Centro (Anthropology is now at this

location). The establishment known

A Mexican style cantina and restaurant,

it was named after a style of

chair that was very common here

years ago. It was famous for its cowboy

pop mix of music and Karaoke

nights. Many local singers performed

at Los Equipales, including the

as Zotano was opened in February

of 1995. By June of 1997, it was

closed as Zotano, and opened under

the name Por Que No/Why Not?. The

basement level was more of a disco,

but the main floor had pool tables,

videos and a lounge feel. When Por

Que No/Why Not? opened, a rooftop

bar was added. It had a grill and a

great selection of hamburgers, hot

dogs and other casual offerings were

served. They had strippers, but there

were no poles in that era. The bar

closed in early 2001.

famous El Diamante, Alberto Cuevas.

The Puerto Vallarta Gay Chorus

would go there to practice, and then

continue to sing late into the night.

It was a massive space where everyone

was welcome. Not well known

NYPV was a huge structure that

opened with great fanfare in March,

2004. It closed in November of

2004. It was located on the corner

of Ignacio L. Vallarta 399, where

currently the HEVA condo building

V399 is located.

Walking into the cavernous space,

you would immediately encounter a

fifteen foot high bust of the Statue

of Liberty, in front of that was the

As we close, we would like to salute

the gay pioneers whose gains,

losses and lessons learned laid

the groundwork for the success of

all the wonderful bars and clubs

that we enjoy today. Bravo. We

apologize in advance for anyone we

left out or dates that we may have

gotten incorrect.

Encuentra

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among tourists, it had a definite

Mexican feel and clientele. The bar

closed in 2016.

grand dance floor. The VIP area was

to the right of the entrance, and

throughout there was an awesome

lighting and sound system to be

envied. The musical genre was pop

and other selections from the time

period. It was so large that a huge

crowd needed to be in attendance

to maintain the feel of popularity,

and that seemed impossible to

attain on a regular basis.

Photos provided by: Alberto Cuevas Courtesty of DiscoveryVallarta.com Courtesty of DiscoveryVallarta.com



Photo by: Oscar Almeida

Mark Rome Set the Stage For

Theater in Puerto Vallarta

DRAG SHOWS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS HAVE BEEN A PART OF PUERTO VALLARTA’S GAY

SCENE FOR MORE THAN 24 YEARS, WHEN THE PALM CABARET OPENED IN 1999.



MARK ROME HAS BEEN CRE-

DITED AS THE “FATHER OF

CABARET” IN PUERTO VALLARTA,

WHICH NOW HAS A VERY ACTI-

VE THEATER SCENE, INCLUDING

THE PALM CABARET AND BAR,

INCANTO, NACHO DADDY BOU-

TIQUE THEATER AND ACT2PV.

At one point Mark Rome and The

Palm Cabaret employed both Tracy

Parks (owner and founder of Incanto)

and Danny Mininni (founder of

Act2PV, who died in 2022 at the age

of 56). And interestingly enough,

before all of that, Danny owned a

real estate firm and employed Mark -

and it was through Mark who Tammy

Carruthers Prust, co-owner of Nacho

Daddy, purchased her first home in

Puerto Vallarta.

“None of this really was in existence

before what Mark did when he

opened The Palm,” Tracy Parks told

O&APV in a 2018 story on the local

entertainment business.”


THE PALM CABARET AND BAR

Opened in 1999

The Palm Cabaret had an interesting

beginning.

Founder Mark Rome told O&APV

in a 2018 interview that the

plan was to open a bingo hall.

And on the week they opened

it up, they couldn’t get a license

for gambling.

“They wanted an extra $50,000

dollars. We looked at each other

and said, “What are we gonna

do now,” he said. “We became a

video bar. A bar to go to before

you went to Paco Paco.

We were quite successful and

then a guy from Ottawa called

Dixie Landers was here on

vacation and said, “Can I do

a drag show?” So we went to

Sam’s Club and bought some

big flashlights and those were

our show lights. He kept filling

the bar, night after night, and

then he went home.

Then our bar was empty.

People would come and say

“No show tonight?” We were

full before we had him, and

after two weeks of a drag show,

everybody wanted a show. So

we were empty until we asked

the local drag queens to come

in. That was the only way we

could get people back.”


NACHO DADDY

Opened in 2012

Nacho Daddy opened at its current

location at 287 Basilio Badillo in

2012 - and at the same time the

Boutique Theater had lost their lease,and

needed a place. Nacho Daddy

had space upstairs and shared the

space with the Boutique Theater.

The Boutique Theater closed during

COVID in 2020 and has not returned.

Nacho Daddy continues to have

lots of live entertainment on the

second floor theater. Nacho Daddy

is owned by Tammy Carruthers and

Sean Moore.

ACT2 PV

Opened in 2012/2013

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.

Act2PV opened that space with a

grand opening night on November

13, 2013.

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. In 2018, Alfonso Lopez and

Oscar Cisneros were named by Mining

as partners, and they continue

to operate the theater today.

INCANTO THEATER

Opened in 2017

Incanto Theater opened on January

20, 2017 featuring New York City

cabaret legend Michael McAssey

performing in the piano bar. The

opening of the cabaret theater quickly

followed on January 27, with the

premier of Luna Rumba Production’s

show called Duende..

Tracy Parks, owner of Incanto, was

working with his family in an oil

field service business before he

opened Incanto. Prior to that he was

with Lyric Opera and learned arts

management.

“I started coming to PV in 2001,

about the time The Palm opened,”

he said in the 2018 interview.




AMAZING PERFORMERS

The Palm’s Mark Rome was responsible

for booking original performers

like Ida Slapter, Carrie Chesnutt, Kim

Kuzma, Amy and Freddy.

And since 1999 Puerto Vallarta has

hosted international stars including

Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat, late Cashetta,

Coco Peru, Miss Ritchfield 1981,

Hedda Lettuce, Mama Tits, Sutton

Lee Seymour, Miss Conception,

Marla Jean Merman, Chi Chi Rones,

and JoAnna.

MAMA TITS (BRIAN PETERS) has

been a mainstay performing in PV

since 2014.

HEDDA LETTUCE, known as New

York City’s premiere comic queen

since 1985, captivates audiences

with her whit and unique green look.

THE LEGENDARY GOUDA GABOR

has done TV, stage, and performed

at most of the theaters in Vallarta,

recently calling Incanto her “home”.

MISS CONCEPTION celebrates 23

years of performing in n PV, having

first arrived here in 2011. She is a

true mistress of disguise and is a

queen of costume changes.

Some other non-drag entertainers

who have performed in Puerto

Vallarta include Kim Kuzma, Leslie

Jordan, Steve Grand, Well Strung,

Lorna Luft, and Levi Kreis.

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Aquiles Serdán 382, Zona Romántica



Five Gay Bars Anchor

Vallarta’s Gay History

and Continue to Thrive

BY RANDE LEE


PUERTO VALLARTA HAS

MANY GAY BARS - IT’S

TRULY A CITY THAT COMES

TO LIFE AT NIGHT. BUT

THERE ARE FIVE WELL

KNOWN GAY BARS THAT

HAVE BEEN OPERATING

SINCE THE TURN OF THIS

CENTURY AND HAVE HAD

AN IMPORTANT IMPACT

ON THE GAY HISTORY OF

THE CITY.

Each has their own unique culture,

clientele, and vibe. Some have slightly

different names and locations

than when they first opened, but

all have in common an incredible

longevity, and storied traditions.

Let’s discover the history of them all,

and see how each, in their own way,

has become an integral part of the

LGBTQ community here in Puerto

Vallarta, Mexico.


MARY ANN RATTRAY WAS ORIGINAL FOUNDER

THEN MET ENDRA BRUINING HER WIFE


APACHES MARTINI AND

COCKTAIL BAR

Olas Altas 439, Zona Romantica,

Puerto Vallarta 48380

Apaches, as it is popularly known,

was opened in November of 1997,

as a Lesbian Martini and cocktail bar

by Mary Ann Rattray, originally from

Kimberly, British Columbia.

Shortly thereafter, a tourist from the

Netherlands arrived in town named

Endra Bruining. It was love at first

sight, and the two quickly became a

couple. They began operating the bar

together, and it became an instant hit

with their fiercely loyal clientele.

After several wonderful years in

Puerto Vallarta, and making an untold

number of friends, they decided

to settle into their retirement years

in 2016. The stars aligned perfectly,

as Apaches current owners Ricardo

Brehm and Geoff Dodds took the reins,

and have lovingly nurtured this

iconic space ever since. The couple,

wildly popular among the Apaches

family, are present nearly every

night, to welcome, chat, provide introductions,

and become personally

acquainted with all who enter.

When I recently complimented

Geoff on how he and Ricardo make

Apaches exceptional, he responded

humbly, “we just open the doors,

you guys make it special.”

Outrageously fun, it has the warm

feel of a supportive community center,

with the added benefit of serving

the greatest martinis in town.

The bar is colorful inside, an intimate

space with a large personality.

Locally inspired modern art is displayed

throughout, while behind the

bar a diverse range of cool signage

reigns supreme.

A WWII vintage ad reads “We Can Do

It,” while another simply says, “Love

You More.”Directly outside of the

bar are the highly coveted sidewalk

tables that allow for the best people

watching in all of Zona Romantica.

Sitting with Ricardo on a steamy

mid-July evening, I asked him “what

is it that makes Apaches so unique?”

He pondered the question, and then

responded thoughtfully, “we enjoy

connecting people, making them

feel at home, it’s a great place for

the solo traveler, you come here

once, and you’re family.”

Ricardo concluded, “We are here

to be a community, to help one

another, to make the bad times

better, and to celebrate the special

moments with each other.” If you are

looking to connect, to make lifelong

friends, you need go no further than

a beloved spot named Apaches.

Come for one, and stay till two.


GEOFF DODDS AND RICARDO BREHM,

CURRENT APACHES OWNERS



BAR FRIDA 4.0

Venustiano Carranza 493, Emiliano

Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 48380

Bar Frida 4.0 is the current name of

a long standing and beloved neighborhood

bar.

It is in its fourth location since

opening in 2001, hence the name

Bar Frida 4.0.

Owned the entire time by Tomas

“Tom” Finley originally from Cobourg,

Ontario Tom moved to Puerto Vallarta

in his mid 50s. He had retired from a

20 year sales career in Toronto, and a

10 year stint as the owner of a floral

shop in Vancouver, Canada.

LUIS & TOM

JONATHAN ARLAND, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS DOG

NAMED 10, AND STUART ARBUCKLE, ACCOMPANIED

BY HIS DOG KAHLO

Visiting PV for the first time in the

late 1980s, Tom described Vallarta

as “the only place that ever grabbed

my heartstrings.”


Photos provided by: Tom Finley

Spending his first two years in

town at the beaches and cantinas,

he felt something was missing.

“It just didn’t feel right,” Tom said

of his short lived stint as a beach

connoisseur.

He eventually saw a flyer advertising

a bar for sale at 361 Lazaro

Cardenas, where Reinas Bar currently

stands, and as fate smiled down,

Bar Frida was born. For ten incredible

years Tom’s dream was realized.

Then wanting to expand, but unable

to, he began the search for a new

location for his beloved Frida. As

luck would have it, he found a great

location on Insurgentes, which Frida

occupied for approximately nine

wonderful years.

The property was eventually sold

and had to be vacated within two

months. For a second time, a spot

was found on Lazaro Cardenas. Frida

moved into the former Manny’s Bar,

for the maximum amount of time

the lease would allow, one year.

After a long search, Tom found the

perfect spot on Venustiano Carranza,

and on October 31, 2022 Frida 4.0

was born.

The space has a warm neighborhood

feel, bright and friendly, with vibrant

images of Frida Kahlo in every direction.

Visiting with Tom recently, I inquired

as to what his vision has been

over the years for this iconic bar?

He smiled, and said “I really wanted

to draw a local crowd; I wanted the

expats and the Mexican nationals

alike to feel welcome here.”

Tom concluded with a beautiful

thought, “I knew when I opened Frida

that I had to get back into life; it

was way too early to just give up, if

I had, I would have missed the best

years of my life, I would have missed

the dance.”


LOS AMIGOS

Venustiano Carranza 239, Zona Romantica,


If you are looking for an iconic, eclectic, old

style cantina, look no further than Los Amigos.

Opened in 1998 by Arturo Orozco Lopez, Los

Amigos is the only gay bar here in Puerto

Vallarta with the same owner, at the same

location, and with the same great ambiance

since the very first day.

Visiting on a hot July night as the Bee Gees

played on a television screen across the bar,

I felt as if I had returned to an earlier time,

when Puerto Vallarta enjoyed a small town,

more authentically Mexican feel.



I asked Arturo, as we chatted in his

cantina, what his vision was when it

all began, those many years ago?

He stated quietly,” I created the

name Los Amigos because I wanted

people to come here and become

friends,” continuing he offered

“many, many couples have met here

over the years.” Arturo smilingly

explained that many guys met in

his cantina because he played

matchmaker numerous times. He

concluded, proudly mentioning “we

have many couples who come back

to visit us, who originally met here

long ago.”

I had the honor of meeting Los

Amigos owner, Arturo Orozco Lopez,

and was fortunate to discover the

details of Los Amigos' long, and

storied history.

Arturo originally hails from Tepic,

in the Mexican State of Nayarit, but

spent ten formative years in Montreal,

Quebec.

He discovered Puerto Vallarta in

January of 1998. Arturo became

a regular at a bar named Centro

Botanero. He felt comfortable, and

at home. He got to know the bar, and

the clientele who patronized it.

When the cantina came up for sale

later that year, he bought it with

the money he had earned from his

time in Montreal. On October 31,

1998, he was handed the keys to his

lifelong dream.

When Arturo opened Los Amigos, he

informed me that it was one of only

four gay bars operating in Puerto

Vallarta at the time. The other three

were, Paco Paco, Los Balcones, and

Why Not?

As Arturo excused himself to welcome

some regulars, I took a moment

on the hot still night to just sit

and drink in the vibe, so alive with

memories of another time. Pulsating,

flickering lights seemed to dance to

the rhythm of music from the 70s

and 80’s. As I peered outside, just

beyond the bar, an open air dance

floor stood waiting, beckoning yet

unknown lovers under the soft

moonlight of a Mexican night.

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PACO’S RANCH

Ignacio L. Vallarta 278, Zona Romantica


Paco’s Ranch is an incredibly fun,

exciting, authentically Mexican

nightclub with some of the best late

night entertainment in town. However,

it is much more than that. It is

the namesake of Paco Ruiz, the one

man who arguably created Puerto

Vallarta as a gay mecca.

I had the honor of meeting with Paco’s

Ranch current owner, John King

on an early August afternoon. As we

enjoyed the view of the Malecon,

and the Mexican Pacific just beyond,

he wove the history of Gay Vallarta

into a beautiful tapestry that left

me spellbound. The recollections

he shared are of people he knew

well, from his early days in Puerto

Vallarta.

When Paco Ruiz and his partner

David Lansley arrived in Puerto

Vallarta, they opened a bar on the

Corner of Pino Suarez and Francisco

Madero. Located where the PVRPV

laundry center now stands, it was

named Paco Paco, after Paco Ruiz

and one of his best friends, who

was involved with the bar for a short

time, also called Paco.

The bar was cruisy and fun, a great

way to meet guys after a day at

the beach. In order to serve the

burgeoning number of gay men who

were coming here to vacation, many

for the first time, an expansion was

needed.

To this end, Paco and David partnered

with an investor. After improvements

were completed, the club's

popularity soared. Times were good,

but the noise was not appreciated

by the neighbors who lived nearby.

JC Moore moved to Puerto Vallarta

in 1995 from Albuquerque, New

Mexico, where he owned a bar

named The Ranch. He was excited to

invest in a local establishment, but

had one stipulation before taking

the plunge with Paco Paco, a new

and better location had to be found.

Therefore, in September of 1995

Paco Paco moved into a bar formerly

called The City Dump located on

Ignacio L Vallarta. Great times were

had at this wildly popular location,

as well as the adjacent space, which

JC had opened as Paco’s Ranch. His

vision was to present top quality

strip shows, while simultaneously

honoring his Albuquerque roots with

the name Paco’s Ranch.

In the early 2000’s, Paco and David

said goodbye to the establishment

they founded and pursued other

interests. For the next several years

the team of Raul Villapango and

JC Moore ran Paco Paco and Paco’s

Ranch at a time of increasing competition

within the local market.

By May of 2007, much of their

former clientele had gravitated

to newer and shinier options. At

this pivotal moment, John King,

originally hailing from the state of

Iowa, but a longtime member of the

Puerto Vallarta community, saw an

opportunity to bring Paco’s back to

its heyday.

“They had a great name, I just had

to build it back again, and I had

someone named Benito to help me

do that,” John stated, referring to his

right hand man, and current Paco’s

Ranch Manager Benito Aleman.

After John purchased the establishment,

a decision was made to retain

the sole name of Paco’s Ranch. He

set his sights on turning the tide,

and returning the iconic nightclub

to its former glory. The crowds returned,

and Paco’s, in 2010, moved

to its current location solidified the

return to prominence.

As I stood next to John, watching the

12:00 am drag show on a Friday night

in early August, I thought of what he

had mentioned to me days earlier.

“I wanted to preserve the atmosphere

Paco created, but also put my

own stamp on it,” he continued, “I

wanted to create a place for people

who work hard all week, to have

a place to come and enjoy a great

experience.”

As the star studded show unfolded

in all its glory, I glanced over at John,

enjoying it all with a gleam in his

eye. As I peered out over the happy

crowd, I thought of Paco Ruiz, gone

now for many years, but looking

down, and smiling.


LA NOCHE

267D Lazaro Cardenas, Zona Romantica,


La Noche in English means the night,

and there is no better name for this

legendary bar that has been opening

every night since January of 2002

than the lovely words La Noche.

planning for it to be a seasonal

operation.

Over time, the bar became so

popular he decided to stay open

year round. As the crowd grew,

more room was needed for the loyal

clientele who had fallen in love with

La Noche.

I had the pleasure of meeting the

owner of La Noche, Kevin Johnson,

in the heat of late July. Learning that

he was originally from the State of

South Dakota, I asked how he came

to open a bar in the early part of this

century here on the Mexican Pacific.

Kevin smiled, reflecting upon that

period of time. “I originally came

down here on vacation over a

couple winters, going to the beach

every day, dining every night, I got

bored.”

A few months into one of his winter

getaways, a bar named La Noche located

at 257 Lazaro Cardenas, where

La Cantina Margarita is currently,

came up for sale. Kevin bought the

bar in November of 2002, originally

Expanding into the space next door,

where La Noche is now located, both

bars operated simultaneously for

a time. Eventually a decision was

made to concentrate on the newer

and larger bar, and make it shine.

Kevin bartendered for many years

and there is no position he hasn’t

worked, except go-go boy and drag

queen.

The grand, clubby feeling main room

is exhilarating. Two giant chandeliers

are suspended above the large

bar, while a circular stage front and

center highlights the talents of drag

queens and go-go boys, performing

the whole night long. After

traversing several stairs, you enter a

completely different force field. The

intense energy below gives way to a

relaxed, laid back, loungy atmosphere

on the second floor.

As I walked into the open air bar

area, a friendly cat named Kat

purred her greeting. Walking up a

few steps, moonlight shone down

onto a sensual setting of palm trees,

intermixed with sturdy stone topped

tables and comfortable seating. Soft

lighting, and warm hacienda style

red brick provide the perfect setting

to get to know that someone special.

Mexican, as well as a foreign clientele,

combining the cultures to ensure

whoever visits has a supportive

environment that provides a fun,

memorable experience,” pausing, he

emphasized, “the staff really makes

that vision work.” Kevin concluded,

with a twinkle in his eye, “every

night is an event here at La Noche,

every night is special. “

I asked Kevin what his guiding light

was, his vision behind the incredible

success of La Noche.

He answered reflectively, “We want

everyone who visits La Noche to

feel welcome; all of the employees

who attend patrons are bilingual,

including the drag queens.”

Continuing, he stated, “We strive to

hire gay people, “approximately 90

percent of our staff is from the gay

community.” Kevin proudly informed

me. “We have worked hard to build a

Encuentra

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Puerto Vallarta

Launched

Mexico’s First

LGBTQ+ Tourism

Campaigns

BY JERRY JONES

2009 WAS A BRUTAL YEAR FOR TOURISM IN PUERTO VALLAR-

TA. A SHARP DECLINE IN TOURISM - WHICH HAPPENED DUE

TO THE H1N1 FLU SCARE, AND A PERCEIVED INCREASE IN

CARTEL VIOLENCE, HAD IMPACTED THE CITY DEEPLY.

And for a city that depends on tourism as one of its

main sources of income for its residents, Director of

Tourism, Carlos Gerard Guzman was under pressure

to find new ways to get visitors to Vallarta. The city

also swung into action with some major investment

projects, including the new pier, and new, larger

sidewalks in Zona Romantica.

He felt like it was a natural fit - Puerto

Vallarta had always been a gay

friendly destination.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

was established in 1996 as a stand

alone public organization to connect

travel agents, operators and other

tourism partners across the city to

champion the tourism sector. The

state of Jalisco established an initial

two percent lodging tax to help

generate revenue to promote the

destination to international travel

markets and boost its connectivity.

Finally, in 2012, Rivas-Solis explained,

the Tourism Board agreed to

new LGBTQ+ tourism campaign after

a presentation by the Latitude’s

CEO, Nathalie Pilovetzky, where he

talked about the potential impact

the LGBTQ+ tourism could have on

the city’s tourism.

Their strategy included inviting LGB-

TQ+ media to the city, and multiple

outreach events promoting the city.

The first promotion was carried out

from April 15 to June 15, 2012, in

publications such as Here! Media,

including the Advocate, Out Traveler

and gay.com as well as the GLAAD

(Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

awards events on March

24, 2012 in New York and June 2,

2012 in San Francisco respectively.

In 2013 the Tourism Board joined

the IGLTA (International Gay and

Lesbian Travel Association), becoming

the first and only Mexican

destination member (until 2016

when Cancun joined).

It took a few years of hard work but

the campaign’s success was beyond

what the organizers could have

imagined. In 2014, Puerto Vallarta

became the first Mexican destination

to participate in World Pride in

Toronto, Canada. It did so with its

Noche Alegre event; and in 2015

the tourism board became the first

destination to sponsor the Human

Rights Campaign on a national level.

In 2015 a record year was set for

Puerto Vallarta with an occupancy

rate of a 66.9% hotel occupancy rate

reported by the Hotel Association.

In May 2016, Puerto Vallarta was

honored as the first city in Mexico

to be granted Gay Travel Approved℠

Gustavo Rivas-Solis, who was the account director for

the Tourism Board for Latitude, the Board’s PR agency,

remembers proposing several times the idea to launch

a LGBTQ+ tourism campaign.


status by GayTravel.com. In 2016,

The New York Times' Ondine Cohane

said Puerto Vallarta was among the

most LGBT-friendly destinations

"south of the border".

“Puerto Vallarta has organically

grown to be a leading LGBT destination

because of the destination’s

natural beauty, our locals’ ability

to embrace people from all walks

of life and world-class infrastructure,”

said Agustin Alvarez, the

then director of the Puerto Vallarta

Tourism Board in 2016. “With over

70 businesses actively promoting

themselves to LGBT visitors and

their allies, the granting of Gay

Travel Approved status by GayTravel.

com is a recognition of our destination’s

commitment to high-quality

services and all-welcoming spirit.”

“The city is Mexico’s only beach destination

that boasts a gayborhood in

its Zona Romantica,” Rivas-Solis said.

“Puerto Vallarta has been celebrated

as the premiere vacation destination

for the LGBT community in Mexico.

The country’s first IGLTA member

in 2014, it was also honored as the

first city in Mexico to be granted Gay

Travel Approved status by GayTravel.

com. In August of 2016, a survey

pertaining to gay summer travel

conducted by the New York Times

and SCRUFF, one of the leading

gay dating apps in the world (with

10 million members worldwide)

highlighted Puerto Vallarta as its

“surprisingly gay friendly” travel

destination in the world and Gay

Cities readers named it their Fun in

the Sun Destination at its Best of

Gay Cities best of 2016 poll.

Puerto Vallarta was also named an

International LGBTQ Destination

at tourism industry awards Travvy

Awards 2017. I am so proud of that

work, all those awards and recognitions

were a result of the campaign.”

For the first half of 2023 the city had

achieved a 77% hotel occupancy

rate, and an average daily volume in

its airport of more than 14,000 people.

Construction has already begun

on a new terminal at the Gustavo

Diaz Airport, to help manage the

growing number of visitors.

Luis Villasenor, current director of

the Tourism Board, said the future

continued to look bright for Vallarta’s

tourism

Villasenor has been working in

a variety of roles for the Tourism

Board since 2007. He was named its

director in 2020. He’s seen the ups

and downs of tourism over the years

and understands the different trends

that travelers take.

As a native son of Puerto Vallarta,

he studied International Relations

at the Instituto Tecnológico y de

Estudios Superiores de Occidente

(ITESO), in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and

is proud to be able to promote his

home city.

He said that not only as the Tourism

Board been promoting the destination

ast LGBTQ+ friendly, it has been

leading with respect and inclusion.

He explained that the city welcomed

all travelers that respect the Vallartian

lifestyle, culture and traditions.

Encuentra

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en español en:

outandaboutpv.com



Paul Crist Reflects

On How Vallarta

Has Evolved

PAUL CRIST, OWNER OF HOTEL MERCURIO AND MERCURIO

SWIMWEAR, HAS MADE PUERTO VALLARTA HIS HOME SIN-

CE JUNE 2002, BUT HE’S BEEN VISITING SINCE 1993. PAUL

IS A NATIVE OF WASHINGTON D.C. IN THE UNITED STATES,

WHERE HE LIVED UNTIL MOVING TO VALLARTA.

O&APV asked him to reflect on Vallarta’s rich gay history, and the changes he’s

seen over the past 20 years.

By Paul Crist

In 1993, there were three gay bars.

It was a sleepy little town with a

small-town gay vibe - if you looked

for it! (I always knew how to find

these things.) There were no publications

to tell visitors where to find

entertainment and community. You

had to ask around if you were new

in town.

I would say that the profile of gay

visitors has evolved a lot since my

early years here. I think that the gay

men who visited in the 1990s and

2000s weren’t coming for big club

nightlife and Instagramable points

to take selfies. To be fair, selfies

and Instagram didn’t exist then. But

in US cities there was a huge club

scene. In Washington DC and New

York, I had been having fun in big

nightclubs and bars since the late

1970s.

But the gay visitors to Vallarta were

looking for a relaxing, quiet beach

vacation. Nobody came to PV expecting

or looking for a club scene like

what exists now. The establishment

of big clubs that really got going in

the mid-2000s helped bring younger,

and more party-oriented gay

visitors. I would say that the change

is that Vallarta now has something

for everyone. Whether they’re

looking for a quiet and relaxing time,

or parties and strippers and drag

shows every night, or great food

and shopping the art galleries, or a

vacation “romance" (how’s that for a

euphemism?), Vallarta has it all.

GAY CULTURE IN VALLARTA

EVOLVED

It was an evolution that picked up

pace and still continues.

By the early 2000s, Paco Paco (now

Paco’s Ranch) had become quite

the club. They had moved a couple

of times since my first visits in the

early 1990s, and by the early 2000s

had built a four-floor club on the

site where CO-DE is now.

Then came other entrants into the

bar and club scene. Paco’s survived,

albeit with different owners and lot’s

of changes and drama.

There was NYPV, there was Club

Mañana, there were event organizers

who came to capitalize on the

growing party scene, with annual



Gay bars have always provided a

place where members of our community

could gather, feel camaraderie

and fellowship without feeling

stigma and fear. And of course, alcoevents

like Latin Fever. And now we

have party scene beach clubs like

Mantamar, and world-class club and

nightlife at places like Industry and

La Noche and amazing cabaret and

show venues like The Palm, Incanto,

Catrina Cantina, Act2 and others.

There will continue to be evolution,

affected by many factors including

the changing demographics and

tastes of our own LGBTQ+ global

community.

I love looking around at my adopted

hometown and seeing so much

more diversity in our community

than I saw in the 1990s and early

2000s.

MAYOR ARTURO DAVALOS ACK-

NOWLEDGES GAY COMMUNITY

So, this is a rather personal story,

but I think it says a lot about our impact

on the local social and political

landscape.

I’m sure I am not the only person in

Vallarta who has known that we’ve

had a few gay mayors over the years,

but always deeply closeted.

My husband, born and raised in

Vallarta and an attorney, had been

the subdirector of Padron y Licencias

- the business licensing and city

permitting department - for three

years in 2015. The post is a political

position, appointed by the mayor.

In 2015, Arturo Davalos (Movement

Ciudadano Party) was running to be

mayor. And as he was (and is) a good

friend, we did an event for him at

my home. Not a fundraiser, it was

an invitation only garden dinner

party for business owners in the

tourism sector to meet and get to

know Arturo. (I reiterate, no funds

went to the candidates). It was not

a gay business owners event. Only

a few gay business owners were in

attendance.

At the last minute, I was asked to

introduce Arturo (thank god I’m

fluent enough in Spanish to speak

impromptu in front of a crowd). So

I introduced him and he took the

podium. And immediately thanked

me… AND MY HUSBAND… for the

hosting event. He didn’t even blink.

He said “Paul and his husband Luis.”

In front of a heterosexual crowd of

local business owners. I have never

forgotten that moment. Arturo is not

gay. But we finally had a mayoral

candidate (and later, mayor for six

years) who was completely unafraid

to acknowledge our community and

our relationships without skipping

a beat. T

hat was a moment that surprised

me, and although it happened in a

private event with about 100 business

leaders, it was important.

Mayor Davalos walked in every Gay

Pride March during his tenure. He

actively worked to promote LGBTQ+

recognition and supported our community.

Prior mayors, some of them

gay themselves, could never bring

themselves to be so supportive. No

mayoral administration now can

afford to ignore us.

FIRST PRIDE EVENTS

I was involved in the planning of the

first pride festival and march.

Of course, compared to the mammoth

Pride March and Pride Week

events of 2023, it was quite small.

(yes, I prefer to call it a march, rather

than a parade. There’s a qualitative

difference and I believe we should

be MARCHING.).

It was just a march and a party in Lázaro

Cárdenas Park after. Businesses

sponsored floats or decorated cars

or trucks to participate. Maybe there

were a dozen or so cars and floats.

We didn’t have much in the way of

gay or LGBTQ+ groups… I think the

Colectivo Gay might have participated

and marched as a group. There

was no organized Trans community.

And even getting a gay business

owners association organized was

complicated and difficult (although

it was a previous iteration of the current

gay business association that

pulled the event together originally).

GAY BARS AN IMPORTANT PART

OF CULTURE


hol is the greatest social lubricant

ever invented. Well, almost. There

are poppers. (LOL!)

LIVING IN GAY VALLARTA

I live and socialize in a welcoming

and accepting environment. My

world is LGBTQ+ and many, many

allies. I don’t have the time or the

space for those who don’t have an

open, accepting and loving way of

being.

I have for 20 years been part of a

very large and very Catholic family

through my husband. They weren’t

always so open and understanding,

but they have adapted and

expanded their understanding by

finding that there are multiple family

members who are LGBTQ+.

I think that this family that I became

a part of is emblematic of what

has happened in the larger society

across the city. People get to know

gay neighbors, gay family members,

gay coworkers, and the ability to

hate, judge, blame, and stigmatize us

melts away over time.

I find that the haters are mostly hiding

behind social media platforms

where they can hurl insults and

hatred with anonymity. I don’t know

who they are and don’t care to know.

But I do believe they’re unhappy

and dangerous people who ought to

be watched because words - even

anonymous words on social media

- have the power to motivate sick

people to do heinous things.

THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO

CAME BEFORE US

I think that we owe a huge debt

of gratitude to a few people who

came before us. But two people in

particular stand out, Paco Ruiz and

David Lansley. Paco and David were

the original owners of Paco Paco

(now Paco’s Ranch).

They were the pioneers who built

the foundations of what has become

the most vibrant and popular gay

destination in Latin America.

The club Paco Paco was just the

lynchpin of what they built. They

ran a gay hotel, Descanso del Sol.

They had a gay nude beach south

of Vallarta called Paco’s Paradise.

For a short time, they had a small

after-hours club.

But most important was that Paco

was probably the first gay activist

or business owner who stood up to

corrupt and homophobic police and

city officials. He was a force to be

reckoned with. He often accompanied

drag and trans people to the

local jail when they were rounded

up on invented (or planted) charges.

He simply said “NO!” when city

officials tried to shake down his and

other small gay owned businesses.

For all they did, they both died

in relative poverty and obscurity.

There are many reasons for that and

blame to go around. But they should

be recognized for the tremendous

contributions they made.

Encuentra

nuestra versión

en español en:

outandaboutpv.com


1961

Filming of the Night of the

Iguana by John Huston in

Mismaloya.

Richard Burton and Elizabeth

Taylor bought Casa Kimberly in

PV after that (but note the “Casa

Kimberly" you see now - it is

not the same original building

as it was destroyed and rebuilt).

Life Magazine carried photos of

Liz and Richard that helped put

Puerto Vallarta on the map for

U.S. visitors.

As Elizabeth Taylor was friends

with many of the Hollywood

“gay mafia” her love for the city

intrigued many, who made visits

to Vallarta. This inspired many

from the California gay community

(Rock Hudson, Montgomery

Clift, etc.,) to visit.

1982

Los Balcones Opens - First Gay

Bar in PV

In 1982, a young Lesbian

named Vicky Macedo made

history. She converted her family

home, where she had been

raised at Juarez 182, into the

first openly gay bar in Puerto

Vallarta. Some old timers told us

that The Piano Bar (also known

at some point as The Sand Bar)

was the first gay bar, but didn’t

promote itself as a gay bar.

1989

Paco Ruiz opened his namesake

bar Club Paco Paco

1995

Los Balcones introduces Drag

Queen nights, and this is thought

to be the first public drag

queen contests.

1997

Apaches Martini and Cocktail

Bar opened in November

Wayne Franklin opens Tropicasa

Realty, one of the first gay owned

real estate firms in the area.

1998

Bar Los Amigos Opened in

October

Zona Romantica Guide for

Club Paco Paco Newsletter was

produced

Opening of Descanso del Sol

Hotel with Rooftop Bar, popular

after beach gay venue

Vallarta’s first gay circuit party,

called Latin Fever, began in

Puerto Vallarta in 1998. The five-day

event was the first event

to promote Puerto Vallarta extensively

in the gay community

in North America, and was crea-

1999

Mark Rome opens the Palm

Cabaret

Ampas Neighborhood Association

(ANA) is formed. The gay

beach and that area falls into

the Ampas community, and has

benefited greatly from ANA.

ted by Gilles Belanger (Toronto)

and Will Gorges (L.A.)

Timeline for significant gay

events that have happened

in Puerto Vallarta


2000

Gay Guide Vallarta Publishes

Online Website

2002

Paul Crist purchased what is

now known as Hotel Mercurio

2003

Gay Guide Vallarta Begins to

Print Guidebook

2008

Vicky Macedo, founder of the

first gay bar in Vallarta, dies.

Diana DeCoste opens up Diana's

Tours, a lesbian owned boat

tour company.

2001

Bar Frida opened in its first location,

at 361 Lazaro Cardenas

Blue Chairs Gay Hotel remodels

and reopened in May

La Noche Nightclub and Bar

opened in January

Casa Cupula, upscale gay boutique

hotel, opens

BeefDip hosts its first small gathering

- and will celebrate 20

years in 2024 (taking two years

off due to COVID-19)

Garbo’s Piano Bar opens in

March

Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA (VES,

or Vallarta Confronts AIDS) was

founded by Paul Crist.

2004

Bar NY (NYPV) opened to much

fanfare in March of 2004, and

quietly closed in November of

2004.

2005

Club Mañana opens where the

Zenith Condo building is now

Divas Bar opens in November

2008

The Swedes Bar Opens

2009

Solidaridad Ed Thomas, AC (SE-

TAC) opened its doors in August

Los Balcones, Vallarta’s first gay

bar, closes

Anónimo Bar opened, owned by

(corner on Ignacio L. Vallarta)

Dan Bacchus


2010

Puerto Vallarta joined the International

Gay and Lesbian Travel

Association to begin promoting

PV as a gay tourist destination

Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA (VES, or

Vallarta Confronts AIDS) closes

due to funding issues

Los Equipales Bar opens in what

is now the Kooky Karaoke Bar.

Reinas opens for business

Ampas Neighborhood Association

was reinvigorated due to

concerns over development in

the area.

Timothy Real Estate Group was

2011

GAYPV Publishes First Issue

Club Mañana closes under

mounting financial pressures

CC Slaughter’s Opened in

December

Don Pickens and Sid Goodman

begin TaxiSafe program, the first

official collaboration between

PV Police and LGBT community

sponsored by Casa Cupula and

ANA. Results in dismissal and

removal of PV police officers accused

of abusing LBGT tourists.

2012

Nacho Daddy opened along

with its upstairs theater

Spartacus Bath House opened

in November

Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust

Launches International LGBTQ+

Tourism Campaign

Election of Mayor Arturo Davalos,

first Mayor to officially work

with the LGBTQ+ community.

2013

First Pride Celebration is held in

Puerto Vallarta

ACT2PV opened its theater, then

known as Act II Entertainment

2014

January 2014, ACT LGBT officially

became a civil association.

David Lansley, partner of Paco

Ruiz and co-founder of Gay

Guide Vallarta, dies

Puerto Vallarta Promotes Tourism

at World Pride in Toronto

Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

Joins International Gay and Lesbian

Travel Association (IGLTA)

and becomes first Mexican city

to do so.

Mantamar Beach Club opens;

Sapphire Beach Club opens.

created by Carl Timothy.

Drag Derby, a fundraising event

Timothy had previously been

a partner with Administradora

de la Bahia/Timothy Fuller &

Associates in 1999 along with

La Margarita bar opens

In March, 2013, ACT LGBT had

its first meeting (please see our

for the Ampas Neighborhood

Association, holds its first event

during the Pride Celebration

week.

Aubert C. Dykes, MD, T. Fuller

story on the history of Vallarta

Pentecost, Carl Timothy and

Pride to read more about ACT

John A. Evatz )

LGBT, A.C.).

2020

La Catrina Cantina opened in

May, 2020

2021

Studs Bear/Leather Bar opens

The Corner Bar opens

One Six One opens

Elixir Mixology and Craft Cocktails

opens

Blue/Reflections Bar opens

2022

Casa Cupula celebrates its 20th

year anniversary by expanding

and opening a new pool club

area.

Bar Frida 4.0 (and restaurant)

settle into their new (and 4th

location) at Venustiano Carranza

and Naranjo

2023

The Tunnel Bar Opens

First training of PV police for

LGBTQ+ sensitivity

Encuentra

nuestra versión

en español en:

outandaboutpv.com


2015

Almar reopened after a $25

million reimagining and renovation.

It had been closed since

2012.

Blondies PV - South Side opened

for business

2016

Paco Ruiz, “father of Gay Vallarta”

dies

Jalisco became the fourth Mexican

state to legalize same-sex

marriage, following Chihuahua,

Coahuila and Quintana Roo; the

capital, Mexico City, also recognizes

same-sex marriages.

Los Equipales Bar closes

2017

Incanto Theater Opened

Out & About PV Begins Online

Publishing

2018

Out & About PV Publishes First

Print Issue

La ChaChaLaca Chatterbox &

Bar opened (formerly Street Car

Bar) in October

2019

Mark Page, co-founder of Gay

Guide Vallarta Magazine, dies

Industry Nightclub Opens

Los Otros Blondies Opens

Mr. Flamingo Bar Opens

The Top Sky Bar and Restaurant

Opened in March

Mercurio Swim shop opens


Three Gay Publications

Serve Puerto Vallarta,

Offering Directories and News

GAY GUIDE VALLARTA WAS THE CITY’S FIRST GAY PUBLICATION 23 YEARS AGO


CHRONICLING HISTORY OFTEN

BEGINS WITH LOCATION PUBLI-

CATIONS THAT HAVE CAPTURED

EVENTS AS THEY HAVE HAPPE-

NED. THOSE LOCAL EMBEDDED

PRINT AND DIGITAL MEDIA

REFLECT THE DAILY LIFE OF THE

RESIDENTS.

Puerto Vallarta has three gay publications

- Gay Guide Vallarta, Gay PV

and Out & About PV.

GAY GUIDE VALLARTA

Mark Page and David Lansley started

Vallarta’s first gay publication, Gay

Guide Vallarta, online in May, 2000,

and began printing a glossy pocket

sized guide and calendar in August

2003, that helped put Puerto Vallarta

on the tourist map.

But in reality the publication probably

started much earlier, with a

guess around 1998 or earlier - when

it was just a copied and stapled four

or five page newsletter that was put

out by David Lansley, the partner

of Paco Ruiz. That publication was

named “Zona Romantica Guide

for Club Paco Paco” and then it

transitioned into Gay Guide Vallarta

by Lansley.

Mark Page, provided by Nancy Page

MARK PAGE

Ken Morrison, who was involved

with Gay Guide Vallarta in the earlier

days, explained the transition of the

publication over the years.

He said Lansley had started it out as

the Zona Romantica Guide for Club

Paco Paco, promoting the events for

Paco Paco and Paco Paradise. Then it

became the Gay Guide Vallarta - and

then became PV South Side. That

didn’t make it, and all withered away.

But then Mark Page combined forces

with David and resurrected the Gay

Guide Vallarta. First as an online guide

and later as an online and printed

magazine.

“Gay Guide Vallarta began in the

90s as a guide for gay tourists, it

was a time when gay life was in

its infancy. David wanted to make

sure tourists knew their options,”

explained Morrison. “Lansley started

the magazine with financial support

from Victor “Vivi” Del Castillo (he

wasn’t sure of the last name). Vivi

took it over eventually and turned

it into PV South Side and then went

out of business.”

“In 1998 the gay scene was very hidden,”

explained Nancy Page, Mark

Page’s sister. “The bars had been

closed down multiple times and the

scene here was really quite small.”

Nancy said her brother Mark arrived

in Puerto Vallarta in November,

1996. He was in the process of sai-


ling around the world - one of his life's goals - when

he stopped at the port of Puerto Vallarta.

“And well he loved it here,” she said. “His plan was

to sail around the world and end up at the Gay Gays

in Amsterdam, but he decided to stay in Vallarta.”

She said he eventually took his sailboat and

started a gay charter cruise company called the

Rainbow Dancer.

“But Mark was never what you would call a people

person,” she said with a laugh. “He was brilliant, and

brilliant with computers but just not the outgoing

type with people.”

Mark’s partner, Carlos Romero Diaz, fell ill with HIV,

and Mark ended up selling the Rainbow Dancer so

that he could take care of him.

“And he approached David Langsley and said, ‘David,

let’s take the Gay Guide Vallarta to a whole new

level and make it into this.”

And that’s when the present day Vallarta Gay

Guide was born. Because Mark was an expert

in computer programming (he had been one

of the original computer programmers that

helped design what is now known as Google

Maps) and took that knowledge to build the

magazine's website.

“My brother was friends with them and Mark

did the sailing of guests to Paco's Paradise,”

Nancy explained. “It was David's baby and Mark

joined him by starting on the website. David

did not have the capabilities to do a magazine

but he sold the ads and did the distribution.”

“You have no idea what he did for this town,”

Nancy said. “His impact on tourism here was

astounding. He put a lot of his effort into the

website and was an early adopter of the technology.

Even back in 2012 they had more than

40,000 unique visitors come to the website per

month. They were coming to look at hotels and

bars, what was on the calendar and what was

happening.”

Mark opened up Puerto Vallarta to the virtual

world with the Gay Guide Vallarta website,


which was launched in the fall of

2000. His partner, Carlos, was able

to help him put out the first print

issue in 2003.

But in 2004 Carlos died from AIDs,

and with his death, part of Mark died.

“He became a complete recluse,”

Nancy said.

He continued with the magazine,

and convinced his sister to join

him in Vallarta, which she did so in

2012. She even convinced him to

have two women on the cover of the

magazine.

“Boy that created some talk in

town,” she said with a smile.

But she added, Mark was sensitive

to the needs of the community as

a whole and built the magazine

around those sensitivities.

“He wanted to have a publication

that anyone could put on their coffee

table and if their grandmother

came by they wouldn’t be offended,”

she said. “The covers have always

been understated and it was a nod

towards the sensitivity of the culture

here in Mexico.”

And she said, to this day, one of

the things he started in the printed

magazine was to let tourists know

what to expect, and how to behave

while in Vallarta.

“He didn’t want people to come

here thinking it was the land of no

laws, and to this day that message

continues,” she said. “We did the

magazine to make sure people were

safe, and they were going into the

right places that accepted them…

we did an amazing job and I’m really

proud of him and what he built.”

She said he was passionate about

helping the gay community and had

a pure heart and pure intentions

with that goal in mind.

David Lansley passed away on

Friday, July 4, 2014 at the age of


60. Paco Ruiz died in 2016 at 62

years old.

Mark died at age 64 from cancer in

2019, leaving the magazine to two

of his friends and employees - Isaac

Carachure and Jose Ramon Martinez.

has told millions about our destination

before social media was created.

And once travelers arrived, the

print guide book reassured visitors

of our welcoming community.``

GAYPV MAGAZINE

Carachure said he and Joey started

working as assistants for Gay Guide

Vallarta in July of 2012. Their work

consisted of translating the website

to Spanish and helping David with

the distribution.

“I’m really proud to see that four

years later Mark’s legacy continues

to live on and that Vallarta Gay

Guide continues to thrive with Issac

and Joey,” Nancy said.

Joey and I have been around

Vallarta’s gay life since late 2008,”

Issac said. “The biggest change in

gay Vallarta has been to be accepted

by the community and respected

by police officers. One occasion,

when we first arrived, Joey and I

were told no PDA on the malecón.

And we were only holding hands.

Now the city and police department

have been very welcomeing and

inviting all the gays to the #1 gay

destination. A big shout out to all

of the activities we have that have

helped make this difference. We

have also seen how just a handful of

gay businesses have grown to what

it is now. The amount of tourists

that want to move to PV has made

the developers & real estate agents

very happy along with the city.”

Issac added that when Gay Guide

Vallarta started, many suggested

that they change the name and

remove the word “Gay”.

“People were still not used to seeing

gay as the name of a guidebook/

publication,” he said. “But David and

Barbie (Ken Morrison) didn't give in.

They made a stand keeping it the

way it is.

As you know, travelers need to

investigate the destination they

plan to visit. Back in 2000 when

the internet was already making its

way into the homes of Americans,

Canadians and Europeans, gayguidevallarta.com

was that connection to

the gaylife in Puerto Vallarta. GGV

GAYPV published its first issue in

November, 2011. Tim Wilson is the

founder and owner.

Wilson is proud of the work done by

GAYPV and is proud to help spread

the message out to the world that “

Puerto Vallarta is truly and uniquely

one of the top LGBTQ destinations in

the world.”

“In August 2021, GAYPV entered

into an exclusive partnership with

Commando from Los Angeles,

California to expand the online

reach of GAYPV and Puerto Vallarta

via advertising from the gay dating

apps,” Wilson Said. “Previously the

two principles of Commando worked

at Grindr and were veteran online

industry experts who also have been

visiting Puerto Vallarta for more than

20 years.”

Wilson said GAYPV was founded originally

to connect businesses who

self-identify as gay and gay friendly

with their target gay consumer in PV.

“Gay friendly businesses (and by

that I mean businesses that are not

gay owned) were finally recognizing

the importance of reaching the

LGBTQ community,” he explained. “I

decided to identify those appropriately

to the gay consumer and help

the company develop marketing

strategies to effectively reach their

target gay consumer. I always refrained

from endorsing any business

because I wanted the customer, not

me, to decide which products were

the best.”

He said that the mission of GAYPV

was to “feature and highlight the

evolving LGBTQ community in Puerto

Vallarta. In 2010, gay travelers

were embracing social media as

they shared their travel experiences

through photos and videos. GAYPV

was the first publication that began

sharing Puerto Vallarta to the gay

community via Facebook and Youtube,

reaching its peak in 2021 when


facebook deleted our page with

160,000 followers - offering no real

reason or chance of appeal.”

He said that his magazine was also

the first to put actual faces on the

cover of our magazine.

“I felt it vital to feature the actual

LGBTQ community who live, visit

or impact Puerto Vallarta,” he explained.

“Hence we are pleased to

have featured Ricky Martin, Enrique

Iglesias, Andrew Christian, the late

Jeffrey Sanker, Michael Lucas, Eliad

Cohen, Topher Dimaggio, Cheyenne

Parker, the late Lesley Jordan,

Bianca Del Rio and many other local

people on our cover and inside the

magazine.”

He also said that his magazine was

the first to highlight the drag queens

in our local cabarets, the transgender

community, the bear community, go

go dancers and strippers. Wilson

said he feels like COVID had some

positive effects on the Vallarta gay

community, including a more diverse

visitor crowd and more long term

visitors who are remotely working.

“I noticed a younger and more

diverse gay demographic visiting

Puerto Vallarta that started with

Semana Santa 2021 and Vallarta

Pride 2021 and continues today.

Because Europe and other major gay

travel destinations were closed this

younger, more diverse demographic

discovered PV many for the first

time,” he said. “The second perhaps

lesser but more long term effect has

been the ability for many people

to work from home. This has led to

an increase in a younger demographic

actually living here that we

would never have seen otherwise in

Vallarta.“

Wilson went on to reflect that the

dynamic and changing real estate

market continues to have an impact

on Vallarta .

“Everyone has their own opinion of

whether this is positive or negative

but let's face it, real estate development

and everything that flows

from that like the rental market has

been booming for several years,” he

said. “This has attracted yet another

demographic to PV, a wealthier de-


mographic and that of course leads

to new businesses and things to do.

On the flip side, I personally know

many guys that used to visit PV in

peak weeks who haven't been in the

last two years who can not afford to

visit any more.”

OUT & ABOUT PV

Out & About PV went live with its

online publication in November,

2017, and came out with its first

printed publication in April, 2018. It

is different from the other two gay

publications in that it is a full sized

magazine, not pocket sized, and its

focus is on telling the stories of the

LGBTQ+ Vallarta community and not

on providing a guide or directory.

The first issue had the theme “Exploring

the Beaches of Puerto Vallarta”.

A launch party was held in March

2018 at Hotel Mercurio. At the

event, there were drinks, canapes,

and music by The Red Suitcases

as we unveiled Puerto Vallarta’s

newest print and web publication

for the LGBT community and all of

our friends.

O&APV started as a monthly magazine

in 2018, but moved to publishing

three times a year in 2019, and

boosted its online presence. O&APV

is a bilingual (English and Spanish

online) glossy magazine with a focus

on local LGBTQ+ news, entertainment

and feature stories about the

community and those who help

make it.

The magazine was started by Jerry

Jones, a permanent resident of

Puerto Vallarta, who had previously

owned Out & About Nashville

magazine and ran it successfully for

20 years. Joseph Brant was the first

editor and ran the editorial side of

O&APV for the first year.

“The goal of Out & About Puerto

Vallarta is to shine a light on the

greatness and the complexity of

this city through the lens of its LGBT

residents and visitors,” Brant wrote

in the announcement publishing the

first issue.

The current staff (as of September,

2023) includes:

JERRY JONES

EDITOR/PUBLISHEr

Jerry has a B.A. degree in Journalism,

a Master's degree in Public

Administration. He has worked for

several media outlets, and has had a

long career in marketing and public

relations in the healthcare industry.

Jerry is also a licensed Advanced

Emergency Medical Technician and

FireFighter and has had a long work

history in Emergency Services. He is

the former founder of Out & About

Nashville, a magazine he led for

20 years before selling it; He's a

founding member of the Nashville

LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and

a board member of the Tennessee

Equality Project and treasurer of the

Tennessee Equality Project Founda-


tion. He is passionate about building

the LGBTQ+ community. Jerry is from

Nashville, Tennessee, and lives in

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

OSCAR ALMEIDA

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEO-

GRAPHER, SOCIAL MEDIA

Oscar is passionate about art, photography

and all things social media.

He oversees all visual elements for

OAPV including photos and reels

for print and social media. He is

from Guadalajara and lives in Puerto

Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. He has been

with the magazine since September,

2022.

ciatura en Diseño para la Comunicación

Gráfica Egresado. He has been

with the magazine since 2021.

a year round resident of Puerto Vallarta,

his passions include; current

events, politics, history, classic and

indie film, local beaches, 80s and

90s alternative music, reading and

rereading anything ever written by

Ernest Hemingway and Hunter S.

Thompson.

GERWIN RUTTEN

SALES MANAGER

Gerwin makes his home in Puerto

Vallarta and has been with OAPV since

2018. He oversees all sales and

is also involved in renting properties

for visitors to PV. He loves sharing

his knowledge of this great city.

Gerwin moved to Puerto Vallarta in

2017 to live here full time. But he’s

been a frequent visitor since 2008,

where he could vacation and enjoy

his love of the beaches.

MARCO ENCINAS

DESIGNER

Marco makes everything we do look

beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

With an extensive background in design,

Marco oversees the publication

design. He is a graduate from the

Universidad de Guadalajara, Licen-

RANDE LEE

EVENTS MANAGER/DIGITAL

SALES

Rande is multi-talented, overseeing

our event's division, planning fun

events that showcase the fantastic

culture of Puerto Vallarta. He's also

responsible for selling digital products

to help small businesses grow

and reach our readership, and he

writes about the people and places

he encounters. He has been with the

magazine since 2023.

Originally hailing from Ohio, Rande

began his travels to Mexico with

his parents in the late 1980s. Now

Encuentra

nuestra versión

en español en:

outandaboutpv.com


Vallarta Pride Celebrates Ten

Years After Business Owners

Organized First Pride in 2013

2023 WAS A MILESTONE FOR PUERTO VALLARTA PRIDE, IT MARKED THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION.

Photo provided by: Christopher Maluck


WHILE THE PRIDE CELEBRATION

IS RELATIVELY YOUNG, IT HAS

GROWN TO ENCOMPASS A

WEEK OR SO OF EVENTS, INCLU-

DING A PARADE, A BLOCK PARTY

AND A DRAG DERBY.

The first pride celebration was held

in Puerto Vallarta in 2013, with

organizers - mainly local business

leaders - determined to make it

happen. The planning group included

Bill Hevener, representing then

BuenFlex Clothing; Oscar Moran,

with Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel;

Daniel Gomez, from Mijo Brands; Tim

Wilson, with GAYPV Magazine; Roger

Dubois, Tropicasa Realty; Armando

Sanchez, Palmera Vacations; Gaby

Escandon, Komunikas; George Dows,

from what was Stonewall Bar; Paul

Crist from Hotel Mercurio, Don

Pickens from Casa Cupula and Ed

Thomas of SETAC.

According to an article from GayPV

Magazine (GayPV Pride Guide 2015)

“ACT LGBT A.C. was formed by a

group of concerned business owners

looking for new ways to promote

Puerto Vallarta worldwide. Although

first working under a different name,

the group was founded by Laura

Gelezunas of Media Diva International,

Tim Wilson of GAYPV Magazine,

Daniel Gomez of Mijo! Brands, Oscar

Moran of RHOM Design and Bill

Hevener of BuenFlex Clothing. At

a second meeting, the committee

added Christian Serrano of Gay Vallarta

Bar-Hopping. From those initial

meetings two ideas were born: The

need to create a gay business association

and to sponsor a Gay Pride

event in Puerto Vallarta. The group

recognized that the business community

at large would not take the

LGBT business community seriously

until there was an organized legal

association. Since the community

had been unable to come together

without conflict in the past, the

group decided to hold monthly

meetings on what was happening in

and around the business development

community in Puerto Vallarta.

This Group was called GEGPV.

The first meeting was held at Almar

Resort Luxury All Suites & Spa on

March 4th, 2013. At that meeting

volunteers were solicited to form

the first Vallarta Pride Committee.

Concerned about possible conflict

within the community, the Pride

Committee was separated from the

business association to fundion

under the name of DFEC (Diversity

Fests Events Committee) although

the steering committees had shared

members. After the second meeting,

luncheon and networking components

were added. It was realized

that there was a need and intrinsic

value in just are-ating time to talk



to one another. This time ultimately

proved to be deemed highly valuable

and very useful to the members.

The committee continued to listen

to feedback to continue improving

on what it could provide to the

community.

The first committee meeting for

Pride occurred on March 28th,

2013 at the SETAC offices. After a

tremendous amount of work by the

Pride Steering Committee, the first

pride weekend was held in Puerto

Vallarta from May 24th to 26th,

2013. Subsequently, ACT LGBT A.C.

has been continuing its monthly

luncheons and continues in its goal

of providing a solid and permanent

LGBT Business Association,”

The group was assisted by Blaire

Osborne, Alfonso Davalos, Edgar

Sanchez, Alain Chalut, Carlos de

Niz (Karla Fifi) and Tom Luis from

Bar Frida.

The first Puerto Vallarta Pride celebration

was held May 24-26, 2013.

Tim Wilson, owner of Gay PV Magazine,

said the organizing committee

selected the month of May for

several reasons.

“May was the group’s decision because

the weather is still great and

the summer rains have not started”

He also said that the committee recognized

that Vallarta did not need

to compete with the pride events

in June - namely Mexico City and

Guadalajara.

Casa Cupula hosted the first event

for Vallarta Pride in 2013 that featured

local drag star Diva Divine and

a show by Broadway Bares/Equity

Fights AIDS.

Other events included a Saturday

same-sex commitment ceremony

at Sapphire Beach Club and fashion

show at Blue Chairs followed by

a pride parade and block party in

Lazaro Cardenas park.

The recent 2023 Pride celebration

was perhaps one of the largest ever,

with the theme of “Be Proud of your

Nature” it included the first ever

Miss Vallarta Pride pageant; a 5 K

Race, a Queer Ball, the annual Block

Party, Pride Parade and the Drag

Derby. It also included a special

Benito Santos & Mosma Moda

Fashion Show which was held on the

iconic pier.

“We wanted to extend the busy travel

season in Puerto Vallarta - which

for many years began to end after

Semana Santa in April,” he explained

Encuentra

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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION

Isla Cuale - Nov. 1, 2023. Join the Fiesta! Scan the QR

code for more details.

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.

DEREK CARKNER, REALTOR

RYAN DONNER & ASSOCIATES

Derek Carkner hails from Toronto, Canada and has been

living and working in Puerto Vallarta for the last five years.

He can ease you through the process of buying or selling

a home with candid advice and a unique sense of humor.

Looking to live in Paradise? Get in touch with Derek and see

what his award-winning customer service can do for you!

HOGAR REALTORS

MARC SERRAO

The Hogar Realtors team is committed to listening to the

needs and desires of our clients. We work in your best

interest with honesty and integrity. Our boutique realty

size enables us to provide the personal attention and care

our clients deserve every step of the way.

GALERÍA DANTE

Galleria Dante is one of the largest fine art galleries in

Puerto Vallarta (and the third oldest), representing more

than 60 artists with an amazing collection that includes

85 percent Mexican artists. The Restaurant - Di Vino Dante

Tapas and Wine - describes itself as a meeting between

the Mediterranean tradition and the growing wine wealth

of Mexico.

MEXPAT REALTORS

Mexpat Realtors’ work culture centers around relationships,

understanding of the clients’ timeline, sharing the

joys of the Mexican lifestyle, while maintaining trust,

transparency, and professionalism. We provide full spectrum

marketing for properties that are comprehensive,

modern, effective, trend setting and revered.

FURNITURE/INTERIOR DESIGN/BUILDING

DECORACIONES SUÁREZ

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.

DONNER & ASOCIADOS

NEW IMAGE - NEW SERVICES - UNLIMITED OPTIONS

Contact our team of REAL ESTATE EXPERTS today: www.

donnerandassociates.com

ENTERTAINMENT

SOLUTIONS MEXICO

The Easiest Way to Furnish Your Home In Mexico - Our experts

help make it easy - from buying furniture to renting

furniture. www.solutionsmexico.com

MISS CONCEPTION

With a career spanning over twenty three years, Kevin

Levesque as Miss Conception, has been delighting

audiences around the world with his unique style of

female illusion. New season at The Palm - TOONED OUT -

December 4, 2023 to April 4, 2024.

REAL ESTATE

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.

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 https://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.

BAR FRIDA AND FRIDA’S KITCHEN

Join us at Bar Frida and Frida’s Kitchen with Chef Alberto

Cuvea. Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Check social media for

specials.

JOHNNY PARADISO PRODUCTIONS

Presents an exclusive new season of entertainment at The

Palm including Gaycation; the unauthorized musical parody

of JAWS; Rock Hard; Evita Loca in Musical Mondays

and Megan Murphy in Big Red Goes Pink.

CANTO MODERN CANTONESE BISTRO

Your Favorite Chinese Classics and More! Opening Soon!

Follow us on social media to stay updated! @cantopv.

HEALTHCARE/PERSONAL FITNESS

DR. CARLOS DIEZ

Health and Beauty Expert - Dr. Diez is an aesthetic doctor,

and stays up-to-date on all the advances in regenerative

aesthetic medicine, which allow us not only to look younger,

but also to regenerate our quality of life.

DAIQUIRI DICK’S ON THE BEACH

Daiquiri Dick’s on the beach is reimagined by Chef Wayne

Elias & Chris Diamond, who have been restaurateurs &

caterers in Hollywood for more than 30 years. Enjoy Some

Great food & drinks right on the beach!

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 offering

Health and Life Insurance options for expats living

abroad or for travelers outside of their home country of

passport. Get a free quote at BrettLaMar.com or email

Brett.L@expatinsurance.com

ELIXIR MIXOLOGY BAR

Elixir Mixology Bar predominant meeting and gathering

spot for the lesbian and queer women in the community.

THRIVE WELLNESS IV AND MEDSPA

ThrIVe Vallarta is your Trusted IV Hydration & Vitamin

Center in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. ThrIVe is the second

location for this Customer Service driven International

Organization who strives to make patients feel better. Our

medical team consists of Anesthesiologists and Registered

Nurses. ThrIVe’s first location is in Las Vegas, Nevada;

the heart of Customer Service.

JUICY DRAGS

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.

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.

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.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

AWAYSIS

The best spot in Puerto Vallarta for drinks,food and live

entertainment!

Open Tue-Sun 3pm-12am. Check out our ad for more

information.

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.

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.

LET’S PHO PV

Vietnamese food served Vallarta style. In addition to

Pho, you’ll find Tamarind wings, Rock and Roll Beef, garlic

butter wings, homemade carrot cake, and even a Guava

cheese cake made from scratch. Open Tuesday to Sunday

9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday only for dinner).


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.

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.

MADERO BAKERY (POSTRERIA MADERO)

Special order cakes, cookies and more. Gay owned and

operated. Delivery available. Check out our ad and contact

us for your next celebration.

YAMADA

This Japanese Restaurant welcomes you to enjoy fresh

sushi rolls or a hibachi meal.

SPAS AND FUN

MASAME

Masame was born from the inspiration of Mexican

cuisine, its garnachas and the joy of eating. Where our

main objective is for our diners to enjoy the experience

of Mexican food with its creative touch, its delight and

eternal memories.

SWELL BEACH BAR/CLUB

Swell Beach Bar is a restaurant, bar, and beer garden, making

it a great spot to come in a group, as everyone can find something.

This fuss-free beach bar is a choice spot for people

watching on Los Muertos Beach and they also offer a couple

of sun loungers. Soak up the sun in Vallarta with a beer to

one side of you and a plate of coconut shrimp to the other.

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.

HOLISTIC THERAPY PV

With Holistic Therapy PV, we ask for your invitation to

provide treatments for your mind, body and spirit. Jose

Oviedo, from Venezuela, and his team will help to listen

to yourself and love yourself unconditionally. Offering

Holistic Relaxing Massages, Deep Tissue, Magnetic Therapy

and Access Consciousness. Jose & the Holistic Therapy

team welcome you.

QUE BOLA

This fantastic Cuban restaurant is under the direction of

Chef Rogelio Ramirez. The food he prepares is based on

recipes from his grandmother. On the menu you’ll find

everything from the traditional Cubano sandwich, croquettes,

to even a copa colita type of flan. Open 2 p.m. to 11

p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.

HAMAM TURKISH SPA

By appointment only Hamam Turkish Spa is a boutique

authentic hamam spa that provides an oasis of tranquility

and revitalization.

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.

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.

STUDS BAR

Touting itself as the city’s largest, 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.

THE SWEDES

The Swedes has been a Vallarta classic since 2009.

Known by visitors from all over the world as 'THE place

to enjoy fabulous drinks', it is characterized by friendly

service, casual dining and an interesting menu designed

for all occasions.

TOURS

TAMALES TOURS

Discover a day- on the Banderas Bay like no other. Tamale’s

Tours creates a space to feel free, meet new people,

and explore nature’s boundless beauty. Swim in the seas,

lounge in the yacht's many open spaces, and mingle till

you tingle. On board you will enjoy: Private chef on board

for all meals and snacks; Premium, open bar for duration

of the cruise; All water toys including snorkel gear, kayak,

paddle boards, and a dinghy for tubing; Towels and sunscreen.

https://tamalestoutourrs.com

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.



VALLARTA FOOD TOURS

Vallarta’s number ONE tour with more than 2,600 five-star

TripAdvisor reviews.

SAMSON WATERS

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.

PUERTO VALLARTA WALKING

ADVENTURES TOUR

We offer walking adventures in the greater Puerto

Vallarta, Mexico area. We believe that walking, exercising,

exploring, and adventuring is more important than just

"touring" and "sightseeing." On traditional walking tours

you are shown and told what the tour guides want to

steer you to believe - and you only usually walk a couple

of blocks. Our adventures allow you to explore and discover

and ask questions about what you see and feel.

RETAIL STORES

MERCURIO SWIMWEAR

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.

SPECIALIZED SERVICES

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.

INFINITY GABO

MASSAGE THERAPY

Offering sensual, erotic and therapeutic massages, Marco

at Infinity Gabo brings massage to a new level to help

your body and mind heal emotionally.

SIR AND SON

PV’s sexiest new lifestyle store, now open! Sexy fashion

from all over the world. https://sirandson.com

PLACES TO STAY/RENTALS

CASA CUPULA

Casa Cupula is the finest hotel in the Zona Romantica,

with a worldwide reputation for sophisticated luxury and

relaxing hospitality. Nestled in the hilltop overlooking

Banderas Bay, Casa Cupula is close to everything, but

remains a private retreat.

CARDENAS SUITES

On your next trip...Stay Close to the Fun, Far From the

Chaos! Book direct with code OUT23A and save 15%.

www.CardenasSuites.com

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.

Special

Thanks

"Thanks to everyone who went through their archives

and graciously shared their photos. Special appreciation

goes out to Christopher Maluck, Juan Pablo Hernandez

Salcedo, Diva Divine, Angie Star, Tim Wilson, Gay Guide

Vallarta, Arturo Orozco Lopez, Bill Baker, Sayuri Sánchez,

Paul Crist, Ken Morrison, Alberto Cuevas El Diamante,

Elena Zolezzi, Bernardo Balderas González, Arabella

Guajardo, and Abraham Solares Téllez. Your dedication

in searching your collections and sharing these precious

images played a pivotal role in preserving the LGBTQ+

history of Vallarta. Thank you all for being part of this

significant project."




Fall 2023 - The Gay History of Puerto Vallarta

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Fall 2023 - The Gay History of Puerto Vallarta

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