LGBTQ travel should be about love and celebration, not discrimination. Unfortunately, the Sheraton in Puerto Vallarta has been caught denying same-sex weddings repeatedly for years. It happened to me and it’s happening to other gay Canadians, in a city that’s generally known for being LGBTQ-friendly.
An Ongoing Issue
It’s disheartening to see the Sheraton in Puerto Vallarta continue its discriminatory practices against same-sex couples. When it happened to me in 2019 they just open and honest about the fact that they didn’t want to have a gay wedding on their property. They’ve become more secretive about it now, but the issue remains unchanged.
What Happened to me in 2019
Back in 2019 I reached out to the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center in PV with excitement about my wedding plans, only to be met with outright denial. The whole situation blew up after I posted the above video about it, and I found myself in the media spotlight, sharing my story with a variety of different media outlets, from USA Today to ones in places as far away as Italy and Australia.
The Response from Marriott in 2019
After my story went viral, Marriott, the parent company, reached out. They expressed their regret and assured me that this wasn’t their belief. They said they couldn’t do anything because the Sheraton was independently owned and that they’d just be dealing with it internally. I was left feeling unheard and frustrated, especially since they said they hoped I’d consider another Marriott property, but didn’t offer to provide me even a discount or any sort of goodwill offer.
Another Couple’s Experience in 2025
Fast forward to today, and we see Jeremy Alexander and Ryan Sheepwash, another couple living in BC, navigating the same treacherous waters. Their inquiry was met with an astronomical deposit (over $35K) and a ridiculous wait (over 2 years). It’s clear that the management at the Sheraton is actively working to deter same-sex couples from celebrating their love there. They’re not just turning a blind eye; they’re crafting a strategy to keep us out.
The Sneaky Tactics of the Sheraton
What’s even more alarming is how the Sheraton has become sneakier in their tactics. They’re not just saying “no” anymore. They’re setting impossible barriers to entry. By quoting exorbitant deposits and long wait times, they’re creating a narrative that’s hard to challenge. It’s a classic case of discrimination cloaked in bureaucracy. Because you see, Jeremy & Ryan asked their straight friend to reach out and inquire about having a wedding over the same dates they wanted, only to be told that the dates were in fact available to them and their deposit would only under $2K.
A Call to the LGBTQ Community
To my fellow LGBTQ travelers and allies, we need to stand together. We can’t support businesses that refuse to support us. The Sheraton, in the most gay-friendly destination in Mexico, is a glaring example of what we should not tolerate. We need to be vocal and visible about where we choose to spend our money. Let’s uplift those who uplift us, and call out those who don’t.
It’s essential for companies to be held accountable. We can’t just let their actions slide. When a hotel like the Sheraton continues to discriminate, we need to call them out. The LGBTQ community deserves better than half-hearted apologies and empty promises.
Their parent company, Marriott, claims to support the LGBTQ community, but actions speak louder than words. They need to show us that they mean it. We have the power to make our voices heard. By choosing where we spend our money, we can push for change. We need to demand that these companies not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk.
How to Make Your Voice Count
- Share your experiences on social media, good or bad, when it comes to how you were treated as an LGBTQ couple.
- Support brands that genuinely support LGBTQ rights whenever you see them actively supporting our community.
- Engage in conversations about accountability and don’t be afraid to call out bad actors. Don’t let them get away with it.
What Happened to my Wedding
I was so grateful when the story broke about what happened to me that companies like Hilton, Air Canada Vacations and VACAYA stepped forward to show their support and help us out with a venue, transportation and a honeymoon. My wedding ultimately never happened though. Initially set for April 2020, I was filled with excitement, but then we all know what happened around that time. So with the borders closed I postponed it, thinking a few months would be enough. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
After several postponements and a whirlwind of uncertainty, my plans unraveled. I got so tired of wedding planning. It had been almost 4 years by the time everything was completely back to normal for travel since we had started planning our wedding. The excitement was gone and eventually the relationship was too.
Support LGBTQ-Friendly Venues
As we navigate our travel choices, it’s crucial to support venues that are genuinely LGBTQ-friendly. It’s more than just a label; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and celebrated. We need to uplift businesses that align with our values.
What to Look For
- Check for LGBTQ certifications or endorsements.
- Look for positive reviews from LGBTQ travelers.
- Seek out venues that actively participate in Pride events and initiatives.
- Support businesses that have clear policies against discrimination.
When we invest in these places, we’re not just enjoying a vacation; we’re making a statement. We’re saying, “We deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.” Our choices matter, and they can lead to real change in the industry. We’re at our best when we’re all standing together in solidarity and putting pressure on those who don’t believe in everyone being treated as equals.
Good
So well written and expansive! You’re amazing Josh and thanks for sharing our (shared) story 🙂