Steven Polito, a drag performer originally from New York and known by his stage name Hedda Lettuce, splits his time between New York City and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He typically spends five to six months annually in Puerto Vallarta, drawn by its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, theater scene, and walkable neighborhoods.
Recently, Polito witnessed escalating violence in Puerto Vallarta following the death of a cartel leader, which led to unrest and property damage across the city. He described encountering burned-out cars in his neighborhood and an unusual silence during early morning hours. Local residents were actively cleaning up and supporting each other amid the disturbances.
“There was burned-out car after burned-out car,” Polito recalled. He shared an example of an Uber driver neighbor whose vehicle was destroyed; the loss was significant as the car was the primary source of income for the man and his young children.
Despite these challenges, Polito expressed determination to remain in the city. He cited the strong sense of community as the main reason he chooses not to leave. “Being part of a community means staying when things are tough,” he said. Polito noted the warmth and friendliness of the people in Puerto Vallarta, where daily interactions often include greetings and friendly gestures.
During his walks, he observed people at local businesses, such as restaurants he frequents, who continued to engage with patrons and support neighbors despite the crisis. Polito also recalled his decision to stay in Puerto Vallarta through the COVID-19 pandemic, when many residents worried about the future but ultimately relied on community solidarity to endure.
“The strength of the community, that’s what’s so great about Puerto Vallarta,” Polito said. “I’ve experienced it firsthand and that’s what keeps it going. People persevere here.”
While he acknowledged the option of returning to New York, Polito emphasized that residents in Puerto Vallarta do not have the luxury of simply leaving in times of trouble and must navigate the situation collectively. His commitment reflects a broader narrative of resilience among locals facing security challenges related to cartel activity in the region.
