The organization Solidaridad Ed Thomas, AC, (SETAC) Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ center recently celebrated 13 years of providing comprehensive health and wellness services in Puerto Vallarta. In the beginning, the main goal was responding to HIV and fighting discrimination and stigma of AIDS.
SETAC currently
- Monthly, serves 250 patients each month
Annually, conducts 1,500 HIV tests and distributes 120,000 condoms
Has two offices: 1 in Zona Romantica and 1 in Versailles plus a permanent information booth in Lazaro Cardenas Park and a laboratory
Staff
- Employs 15 specializing in sexual and emotional health
- including bilingual doctors specializing in STIs, PrEP, PEP, and general medicine
- two bilingual psychologists who are experts in LGBTQ+ relationships and sign language
- a nurse
- sex therapist counselor
- pharmacobiologist
- chemist
- communication and marketing team
- administrative staff
One of SETAC’s biggest achievements has been bringing free PrEP to Puerto Vallarta. VÃctor EspÃndola, director of institutional development, adds that SETAC provides courses and workshops, channels patients to existing public and private medical services, develop programs and public policies linking the community and local health agencies.
The non-profit center is currently developing a new transgender safe space. They have had a vision since 2009 for a true LGBTQ community center. They are remodeling a 350 sq meter property in the romantic zone that will be a community center with an LGBTQ kitchen, a dressmaking workshop and a beauty salon.
If you would like to make a donation to SETAC, check their site here.Â
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Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
