A Response to July 2009 “Out of Room” Article from the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego It was with great dismay that Kelly Commerford, Director of Marketing of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, and I read Martin Jones Westlin’s “Out of Room” Pride article in your fine publication, San Diego Downtown News. You are correct, Mr. Westlin, that at one time Doug Manchester did support Proposition 8 financially, at the direction of his church, nearly two years ago. Now, thanks to his willingness to listen and the humility to admit to a wrong, Mr. Manchester believes that every American is deserving of the opportunity to receive all of the benefits from civil marriage, gay or straight. Doug Manchester has apologized for his previous personal donation, has re-affirmed his commitment to the gay and lesbian community, and has vowed to never again financially support any initiative that limits the rights of others. It was with great pride that we recently announced property owner Doug Manchester’s pledge of $125,000 to gay and lesbian organizations and initiatives; a $25,000 personal donation as well as $100,000 of in-kind donations by the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Mr. Manchester, like so many others before him thanks to the noble efforts of LGBT activists and community leaders, was humble enough to admit to a wrong and willing to support that sentiment with a public apology, a matching donation back to the gay and lesbian community, and the conviction to see that through. The specifics surrounding application to be a beneficiary of this donation will be made available very soon. Boycotts can be very effective tools for change, so long as they remain focused on their goal. Was the goal of the boycott on the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego not to deliver an impactful message to owner Doug Manchester in order to turn a perceived foe into an ally? This was achieved. What kind of message are we sending when a community that acts so swiftly to take up arms against an “opponent” appears unable to recognize a white flag, an olive branch and a new partner in the fight ahead? Kelly Commerford and I understand firsthand that Doug Manchester has built an inclusive, diverse work force and we are truly proud to be a part of it. We would also ask that you consider Hyatt’s track record with the LGBT community, both with those that are members of our Hyatt family and our extended family in community. We offer our employees Domestic Partner Benefits and have a strong history of enforcing non-discrimination at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. We have maintained a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign for nine years, and have been honored with distinctions by other LGBT organizations and media, including The Advocate as one of the “Top-Ten Gay Friendly Employers in America”. In this case, Mr. Westlin, we believe that forgiveness and the celebration of a new ally in Mr. Manchester, not “discretion towards this particular venue”, is the better part of valor. Ted Kanatas Kelly Commerford, CHME General Manager Director of Marketing