rights
Mexico’s first openly gay mayor killed
By Michael K. Lavers at Washington Blade
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
Mexico’s first openly gay mayor was killed last week. Media reports indicate former Fresnillo Mayor Benjamín Medrano was shot to death on July 7 inside an ice cream store in Guadalajara, the country’s second-largest city that is located in Jalisco state. Fresnillo is a city in Zacatecas state. Medra
Key takeaway Media reports indicate former Fresnillo Mayor Benjamín Medrano was shot to death on July 7 inside an ice cream store in Guadalajara, the country’s second-largest city that is located in Jalisco state.
Why this matters
The killing of Mexico's first openly gay mayor, Benjamín Medrano, highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ individuals to live safely and openly in the country. Medrano's murder, which occurred in a public place, is a stark reminder of the violence and intimidation that many LGBTQ+ people face in Mexico. The fact that authorities have not announced a potential motive or made any arrests raises concerns about the investigation and the potential for impunity. This incident is part of a larger pattern of anti-LGBTQ violence in Mexico, where kidnappings and attacks are commonplace. The recent discovery of a mass grave containing the bodies of a gay couple from the US and the targeting of LGBTQ tourists in Puerto Vallarta by cartel members further underscore the risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations may be watching the developments in this case closely.
About this story
Original reporting by Washington Blade . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Mexico’s first openly gay mayor was killed last week. Media reports indicate former Fresnillo Mayor Benjamín Medrano was shot to death on July 7 inside an ice cream store in Guadalajara, the country’s second-largest city that is located in Jalisco state. Fresnillo is a city in Zacatecas state. Medra
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael K. Lavers at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .