Puerto Vallarta rallys support for Hotel Mercurio on the eve of Puerto Vallarta gay pride 2024
UPDATED This story has an update. Please see this GAYPV Paul Crist statement regarding Hotel Mercurio raid and closure.
Puerto Vallarta rallys support for Hotel Mercurio, Paul Crist the owner, employees and affected guests. The recent incident at Hotel Mercurio in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has caused a great uproar from the local LGBTQ+ community with more questions than answers about why local officals handled the incident so unprofessionally.
Please know the hotel is currently closed since this incident. If you have reservations at Hotel Mercurio, please look for alternate accommodations. If you can’t locate any on your own, please contact us for some options.
What happened
On Friday May 17, 2024 during the early evening hours, armed, militarized police officials raided and closed the hotel. An army of police officers were on hand while they proceeded to totally empty the hotel of its contents. Officials took everything including mattresses, bedding, office equipment and computers apparently to an offsite location. More horrific is all the hotel guests were literally forced into the street scrambling to locate alternative accommodations elsewhere. All of this unfolded on the eve of Puerto Vallarta gay pride starting May 20, 2024.
The local Puerto Vallarta LGBTQ+ community is outraged and suspect of the reason, timing and motive of such a thoughtless, inconsideration action by whom ever for whatever reason.
As Puerto Vallarta rallys support for Hotel Mercurio, it is vital to provide assistance in a respectful but thoughtful manner.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
There is no question for over two decades, Paul Crist, the owner of Hotel Mercurio, has been an unwavering supporter and ambassador of the Puerto Vallarta gay community. His employees have become a welcoming tradition to many first and repeat visitors to the city.
Paul’s Request for Time
Paul needs a brief period to assess the situation and determine the best way to move forward. We are certain he will release a public statement outlining how anyone from the community who is interested can offer assistance to him, his employees, and the affected guests. He is concerned about his employees and guests as much as we are.
During this trying time, it is crucial that we respect his need for space, avoiding overwhelming him with calls and inquiries as why this happened. Giving him this space will enable him to focus on the recovery process and make informed decisions.
Assistance Through GAYPV
As Puerto Vallarta rallys support for Hotel Mercurio, several local businesses and residents who want to help but lack Paul’s contact information or prefer to remain anonymous have reached out to GAYPV.
If you genuinely want to provide accommodations, personal items, fundraising support, or any other form of assistance without any profit motive, GAYPV can act as a liaison between you and Paul. We stand ready to relay your message and ensure that the information reaches him or any designated agent anonymously or made public as you wish.
Sharing Support Efforts
We have already received several emails with information of assistance from community members and local businesses. This effort could become a long term situation as we get more information about why it happened especially for the employees affected. We thank everyone already for the assistance offered.
Conclusion
As Puerto Vallarta rallys support for Hotel Mercurio, we are on the eve of celebrating Vallarta Pride beginning May 20, 2024. Let us remember that our comments and actions should reflect the true spirit of pride. This is a chance to remember giving is a great opportunity because it could be any of us in this same situation either losing a business or losing a job.
We know that as soon as Paul is ready, he will provide public information about the situation. GAYPV will provide this information needed to connect the community to any fundraisers or direct assistance.
If you have something to provide confidentially or public events without a profit motive, please contact [email protected] and we will assist in getting the information to Paul or his agent when that is announced.
********For the latest updates as Puerto Vallarta rallys support for Hotel Mercurio visit the GAYPV website as this is a developing story.
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.
