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KARLA MACEDO JUAREZ: Trans Activist of the Year
from Puerto Vallarta's Best: Dream Team, Chef Huynh, & More
by Out and About Puerto Vallarta - LGBTQ Puerto Vallarta Magazine
KARLA MACEDO JUÁREZ HAS EMERGED AS A FORMIDABLE ADVOCATE FOR TRANSGENDER RIGHTS IN MEXICO, DEDICATING HER LIFE TO THE PURSUIT OF EQUALITY AND VISIBILITY FOR THE TRANS COMMUNITY.
Her unwavering commitment was recognized when she was named Trans Activist of the Year at the 2024 Best of Gays Awards.
Beyond her activism, Macedo Juárez has achieved notable success in the pageant circuit. She was crowned Miss Trans Latina in 2021, a title that amplified her platform and allowed her to further champion the rights and recognition of transgender individuals in Latin America. Her influence extends into the digital realm, where she maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, using these channels to share her experiences and advocate for social change.
In March 2023, Macedo Juárez led and promoted Puerto Vallarta’s* first Trans Day of Visibility march, celebrated annually on March 31. The event was founded by Michigan activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 to highlight the need for transgender visibility. Karla organized the march through her collective, Vallarta Trans, and in collaboration with the Red de Diversidad Vallarta—a network of local collectives addressing diverse issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Together, they have also coordinated events such as the Trans Day of Remembrance on November 28, honoring victims of transphobic violence, including Rita Hester, whose 1998 murder in Boston inspired the observance.
Macedo Juárez's activism is deeply rooted in addressing the vulnerabilities faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico.She has been vocal about issues such as violence and discrimination, particularly highlighting the challenges encountered by transgender individuals. Her advocacy underscores the necessity for societal change and the implementation of protective measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
Through her multifaceted efforts—spanning public demonstrations, pageantry, and digital engagement—Karla Macedo Juárez continues to be a beacon of resilience and empowerment within the transgender community, inspiring many to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.
