This Mexican destination stands out as one of the most progressive in Latin America due to its transformative LGBTQ+ initiatives.

Jalisco is a favored Mexican destination among many queer travelers, largely thanks to the vibrant resort town of Puerto Vallarta, which has welcomed LGBTQ+ visitors for years. However, this 30,347-square-mile state — recognized in the Dinogo's 2023 Global Vision Awards — offers much more than just Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ beaches, hotels, and festivities. As the state capital, Guadalajara prepares to cohost the 2023 Gay Games, local LGBTQ+ leaders are eager to showcase groundbreaking initiatives that have established Jalisco as one of the most forward-thinking regions in Latin America.

This movement has been particularly significant in Guadalajara. "For over 40 years, the city has strived to become a more inclusive environment," shares Andrés Treviño, who became Jalisco’s director of sexual diversity in 2018. He notes that, historically, like many other locations, Guadalajara was not very accepting, and LGBTQ+ individuals faced police harassment. The past four decades have witnessed an empowered LGBTQ+ community advocating for their rights and visibility. An exhibit titled "40 Años de Visibilidad" (or "40 Years of Visibility") ran through November of last year, showcasing this journey with installations, artworks, and artifacts — from the first gay magazines to elements of the city’s drag culture — celebrating key moments in the fight for equality.

Foreigners may not be well-acquainted with LGBTQ+ culture in Guadalajara, but for Mexicans, its queerness has long been recognized. In the 1980s and 1990s, the city was home to some of the nation's most significant LGBTQ+ nightlife spots. Among these was Monica’s, which opened as a hidden gay bar in 1980, marking the city’s first openly gay club. Its popularity soared, attracting up to 3,500 patrons each night at its peak. It was more than just a club; it became a cultural hub for Guadalajara and all of Mexico. "Back then, many forms of entertainment were restricted. There was a disconnect between cultural happenings in the U.S. and Mexico,” Treviño explains. "Monica’s owner would drive to Los Angeles to bring back the latest music and drag performances, making it an iconic venue.”

In honor of this legacy, a public initiative called Revolución al Rojo is advocating for Monica’s original doors to be transformed into a monument at Parque Revolución, celebrating Guadalajara’s LGBTQ+ history. The progress made over decades in Guadalajara has left a lasting mark throughout Jalisco. Notably, Treviño’s role, dedicated to enhancing sexual diversity and equality in the state, is unique in Mexico. This office has been instrumental in achieving groundbreaking rulings for LGBTQ+ rights, including the October 2020 law allowing trans individuals of any age to amend their gender identity on legal documents, including birth certificates. Jalisco stands out as the only Latin American region with such provisions. With increased LGBTQ+ visibility through Pride events in various locations, hosting the Gay Games in Guadalajara represents a significant stride towards genuine equality and inclusion.

"We can’t label the state or government as inclusive without acknowledging the past. Thirty years ago, the government actively promoted discrimination. They need to issue a statement recognizing that mistake and acknowledging their changed perspective,” Treviño emphasizes. “The Gay Games serve as both a remedy for that past and a vision for the future. When young people see the streets filled with rainbows and individuals expressing their freedom, it can shift perceptions of queer individuals dramatically."

The Dinogo Global Vision Awards recognize and celebrate companies, individuals, destinations, and organizations making significant efforts to create more sustainable and responsible travel products, practices, and experiences. These honorees showcase innovative leadership and creative solutions while taking measurable actions to protect communities and environments worldwide. Furthermore, they inspire their peers and travelers to contribute positively as well.