LGBTQ+ Groups Condemn Disappearance of Rainbow Patrol Cars in Playa del Carmen

A rainbow-colored police patrol car in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Members of the Red Diversa Quintana Roo coalition have publicly opposed the elimination of the city’s rainbow-colored police patrol cars and accused the municipal Sexual Diversity Directorate of improperly taking credit for organizing the Pride March, which they say belongs to civil society.

At a press conference to announce the results of the latest Pride March, representatives Brenda, Iván, and Jimmy laid out the coalition’s position and presented two formal petitions to authorities — one on health and another on security and justice.

Among the key demands, the group called for the reinstatement of the rainbow patrols, special police units that previously operated in the tourist zone. Iván stated that the units provided a sense of safety for LGBTTTIQA+ residents and visitors because officers were fully trained to serve the community. The city had reportedly replaced the rainbow patrols with the GEAVIG (Specialized Attention Group for Gender Violence) unit.

Coalition members also denounced an irregularity in the Pride March permits: official documents were issued in the name of the Sexual Diversity Directorate instead of a civil society organization. As a result, the group filed two complaints — one with the Quintana Roo State Human Rights Commission (CDHEQROO) and another with the Internal Control Office — to investigate the matter and ensure it does not recur.

In the health petition, the coalition requested gender-sensitive health services, reform of the regulations for the Municipal Council on HIV (COMUSIDA), an end to shortages of antiretroviral drugs, and the creation of a shelter for LGBTTTIQA+ individuals who have suffered physical or systemic violence.

On security and justice, they demanded a municipal registry of violence cases against the LGBTTTIQA+ population and a dedicated, multiyear budget for community initiatives that would be maintained across future administrations.

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By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx