Dozens of couples gathered at a resort south of Acapulco, Guerrero, to celebrate for the first time equal and free weddings after the state approved same-sex marriage last October. The ceremony marked a historic step, with officials confirming that the decree approved by Congress makes these marriages legally recognized from this point forward. Roberto Barreto Bohórquez, technical coordinator of the State Civil Registration System, announced that the event represents the first official, legal, equal marriages under the new law.
Irving Martínez and Kevin Arrazola won first place among the celebrations, as more than 40 same‑sex couples prepared to wed that day. Hailing from Tlapehuala in Guerrero, about 374 kilometers from Acapulco, the couple spoke of their four years together and their steadfast commitment. Kevin expressed his joy and a sense of wonder, noting that the next step is to start a family together.
Alma and Adriana faced a challenging start. Alma uses a wheelchair, which initially made it seem unlikely that their ceremony could take place as planned. They shared that last year they believed a wedding would happen, only to be postponed for various reasons. When they learned that their ceremony would proceed, Bohórquez stepped in, arranging a private wedding moment for the two to celebrate with the same joy as any other couple. The couple had to arrange transportation to the event, but their spirits remained high as they awaited the moment, and Alma exclaimed that she and Adriana were deeply grateful for the support and the chance to celebrate together.
Since then, stories from the couples have circulated widely on social media. Azalea and Lore, who are 17 years apart in age, publicly affirmed their decision to unite last Thursday. Azalea said she felt cared for and loved through the process, describing the marriage as a powerful milestone. Participants emphasize that these equal marriages in Guerrero represent progress, while acknowledging ongoing challenges ahead, such as ensuring broader social acceptance and addressing gaps in protections. They also point to the need for continued advocacy, including considerations of gender identity protections and the ongoing response to hate crimes against women and LGBTQ+ people.
Guerrero became the second-to-last Mexican state to authorize equal marriages in October 2022. Mexico City pioneered same‑sex marriage in 2010, establishing a precedent that has influenced numerous states since. While equal weddings have occurred in Acapulco in prior years, some were later annulled, underscoring the importance of clear legal recognition for couples and the protection of their rights under the law.
Note: The coverage above reflects events reported by local authorities and participants who shared their experiences through official channels and public posts. The aim is to document the moment when equal marriages gain formal legal recognition in Guerrero and to highlight the personal journeys of couples choosing to marry in a climate of changing laws and social norms. Attributions follow journalistic conventions for source credibility.