I live between New York and Puerto Vallarta. There are burned-out cars in my neighborhood — but I won't leave.

Steven Polito splits his time between New York and Puerto Vallarta.

Courtesy of Steven Polito

• Steven Polito is from New York and spends five to six months of the year in Puerto Vallarta.
• Violence broke out in the city among other locations in Mexico, after a cartel leader was killed.
• Polito said he wants to stay in Puerto Vallarta to support his community.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Steven Polito, 49, a drag performer from New York with the stage name Hedda Lettuce.