From Boycott Target to Self-Proclaimed LGBT Ally – What the Manchester Grand Hyatt Wants Gay Travelers to Know

Kelly Commerford is the Director of Marketing at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. The Manchester Grand Hyatt is owned by Doug Manchester. Doug Manchester donated $125K in 2008 to the campaign that successfully banned same-sex marriage in the state of California. Proponents of same-sex marriage in the state of California (and beyond) have since boycotted the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Kelly Commerford, an openly gay man, feels that this boycott was misdirected and unfair. Here, we let him explain why.

Cherry Grrl (CG): The Manchester Grand Hyatt has been the focus of negative attention from the gay and lesbian community ever since owner Doug Manchester made a $125K donation to the Yes on 8 campaign – helping to pass the gay marriage ban in the state of California. What is Doug Manchester’s current role with the hotel?

Kelly Commerford (KC): Doug Manchester is the property owner, from which Hyatt has a multi-year lease agreement to manage the property. Doug Manchester is not involved with the day-to-day management of the hotel or its staff.

CG: In what ways was the hotel affected by Manchester’s involvement with the anti-gay campaign?

KC: Regrettably, outside parties have targeted the Manchester Grand Hyatt because of Mr. Manchester’s donation two years ago. The resulting periodic demonstrations have been a disruption to guests and staff. It affects our morale, certainly. As a gay man, I understand and respect the negative attention Mr. Manchester first received, but he is only affiliated with the hotel by name. Why aren’t they demonstrating elsewhere? It’s because they want to unionize the hotel. Oddly enough, the main emphasis of these protests have been this hidden agenda of the unions to organize at the hotel, which is against the clear wishes of the hotel staff and employees. We remain grateful at the hotel that these disruptions have not resulted in lost work hours or shifts, as thankfully all of the business that was lost due to the so called “boycott” was able to be replaced.

CG: Doug Manchester is an outspoken opponent of equal rights. Has your hotel or the Hyatt Corporation ever publicly spoken out in support of equal rights and if not, why?

KC: Actually, Mr. Manchester has stated publicly “I am not, nor was I ever, anti-gay. I am and have been in favor of Domestic Partnership and Civil Unions for quite some time. I respect all members of the GLBT community and have several gay and lesbian employees in various departments and professional levels at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.”  The full statement of his position and personal letter to the community is available at http://www.mghsd4equality.com/. Mr. Manchester has offered to cement his change of heart with a commitment of $125,000 to LGBT organizations working in our communities to further our rights. This gift matches his previous donation to Yes on 8. Hyatt was the first major hotel company to offer our employees Domestic Partner Benefits and the company retains a strong track record of enforcing non-discriminatory policies throughout every hotel it operates, including Manchester Grand Hyatt. Hyatt Hotels Corporation includes nondiscrimination as part of its EEO policies and has consistently and proudly advertised in GLBT media including print, online, and event sponsorship participation.

CG:  As a gay man who represents the hotel, what was your reaction when you learned that he had made the donation?

KC: I know Doug Manchester personally, and I know he is not anti-gay. His act was one of a private citizen. I am proud to say that Mr. Manchester is now an ally to the LGBT community, and I think we have an opportunity and responsibility to embrace and celebrate that transformation.

CG: Still, at that time did you ever consider leaving your position at the hotel because of what the property owner did?

KC: No, why would I leave Manchester Grand Hyatt when I am a Hyatt employee that works for one of the most progressive companies that fully supports the LGBT community? We have an excellent domestic partner benefits program as well as a proactive marketing program that celebrates diversity.  I chose to join Hyatt and work at The Manchester Grand Hyatt because of our support of the LGBT community.

CG: Did you empathize with the position of those members of the LGBT community who protested the hotel?

KC: Boycotts and public displays of dissent can be constructive, when their goals are clearly defined. Wasn’t the goal to shed light on Mr. Manchester’s donation and correct it? This was accomplished. Let’s applaud that change, welcome a new ally, and continue doing valuable impactful work elsewhere.

CG: What do you feel it is that the gay and lesbian community misunderstands about the hotel and Doug Manchester?

KC: I would like the San Diego community to recognize the separation that exists between Mr. Manchester and Hyatt, that Hyatt and the Manchester Grand Hyatt will continue to be fierce supporters of the LGBT community here in California and across the country, and that Mr. Manchester is now a supporter of equal rights for all.

CG: How would you describe the hotel’s treatment of gay and lesbian guests?

KC: We treat all of our guests equally – they are our family and our number one priority.

CG: How would you describe the hotel’s treatment of gay and lesbian employees?

KC: We have about 300 out of about 1050 employees that are LGBT. We are proud of our long-standing record on diversity, inclusion and Domestic Partner Benefits. We continue to receive accolades and accreditation from a myriad of LGBT organizations and media outlets, including a 100% equality rating from HRC and inclusion in their “Best Places to Work” list six years running, and Advocate’s “Top-Ten Gay Friendly Employers in America.”

CG: Why should a gay or lesbian traveler choose your hotel if visiting San Diego?

KC: The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is a beautiful property, with exceptional accommodations and amenities. We welcome all visitors, especially our LGBT friends and family, to the hotel with open arms, as we always have. We are a part of the San Diego community and we love our city and all its guests. Hyatt will continue to support the LGBT community at every opportunity and we hope you will continue to do the same with Hyatt.