A New York drag performer residing in Puerto Vallarta has described the moment he learned the Mexican city was under attack by a cartel, witnessing widespread arson and a community response. Steven Polito, 49, who performs under the stage name Hedda Lettuce, was at his gym on the morning of the attack when a friend informed him of the situation and advised him to stay put.
Polito, who lives in the city during the winter months, left the gym around 10:00 a.m. to find a scene of "horrendous property damage." He observed burned-out cars still in flames juxtaposed against everyday activities, such as an older woman sweeping leaves in the street. His own neighbourhood was "particularly hard-hit," with one neighbour's car—belonging to an Uber driver with two young children—completely destroyed.
Community Response Amidst Chaos
Despite the violence, Polito highlighted acts of community solidarity. A restaurant he frequents offered him coffee, and he saw neighbours beginning to clean up the burnt-out vehicles. "It's neighbours taking care of neighbours," he stated. The performer, whose "nerves are shot a bit from the sensory overload," emphasised the strength of Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ+ friendly community, which he called "very walkable" with a vibrant theatre and cabaret scene.
Polito has decided to remain in the city, drawing parallels to his decision to stay throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. "Being part of a community means staying when things are tough," he explained. He acknowledged his privilege as someone who could return to New York City, contrasting it with local residents who "don't have the luxury of getting up and going."
A History of Resilience
This is not the first crisis Polito has experienced in Puerto Vallarta. During the pandemic, he chose to stay in the city instead of returning to the United States. "We all thought it was going to just crumble around us. But somehow, everyone found their way and part of that was through the community," he recalled. He attributes the city's enduring appeal to this communal strength, which he has experienced firsthand.
The attack involved coordinated arson against vehicles, including private cars used for livelihoods. No official casualty figures from the incident were provided in Polito's account. The city, a popular destination for international tourists and expatriates, has faced sporadic cartel-related violence in the past, though it is generally considered safer than many other regions in Mexico.
Polito concluded that the community's perseverance is what "keeps it going," and affirmed his intention to continue returning to Puerto Vallarta. "The moment you leave the house here, it's like one big 'hello.' That's what's really special about this place," he said.