Discrimination Against LGBT+ Community Persists in Tulum, Official Says

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Discrimination, harassment, and disrespect toward members of the LGBT+ community continue in Tulum, the municipality’s director of gender equality acknowledged Thursday as she announced a series of Pride Month events.

Anahí Bates, head of the Gender Equality Department, said her office is working with local collectives to strengthen human rights and visibility for sexual diversity. The planned activities aim to create spaces for coexistence and civic participation in favor of a culture of respect.

“We still experience discrimination, lack of respect, and harassment toward this community,” Bates said. She noted that the Pride Month events are organized jointly with the Pride Tulum collective and other citizen groups that promote inclusion and equality.

Activities begin June 1 with a lighting ceremony at the municipal plaza at 6 p.m. On June 18, a wig race and a Zumba master class will be held, with prizes for top finishers. June 19 features a volleyball and basketball tournament at the sports complex, and the month concludes June 20 with the Pride March, starting at the CROC park and ending at the municipal plaza.

Bates said people who experience discrimination can file complaints with her department, even anonymously. The Gender Equality Department and the Women’s Secretariat offer free psychological support and legal advice for victims, as well as accompaniment if they decide to pursue legal action against aggressors.