Open Letter to Cinemark

[Editor's Note: Wow, how many of these things am I going to post?]

To Whom it Concerns,

I am aware that Cinemark has a policy against discrimination that is based on sexual orientation, among other characteristics. I appreciate that, and applaud your commitment to equality. Please note that sexual orientation is not a "preference;" it is an immutable characteristic, and you insult the gay and lesbian community when you imply otherwise.

Your CEO, Alan Stock, contributed a large amount of money to the Proposition 8 campaign. Proposition 8 stripped fundamental legal protections from gay and lesbian Americans and their families. Since your CEO will benefit directly (and lucratively) from your ticket sales, I cannot, in good conscience, continue to patronize your business.

I am especially repulsed by the fact that your Mr. Stock will be receiving money from screenings of the movie "Milk," which expresses the ideals of equality, justice, and activism. I have taken those ideals to heart, and I will act against my aggressor, your CEO, by seeing the "Milk," and other movies, at a competitor's theater. Others have joined me in this commitment; see http://www.nomilkforcinemark.com for details.

Please note that there is still time to avert this boycott, since "Milk" does not open until December 5th. I recommend you take one or more of the following actions: (1) Fire Mr. Stock, (2) Convince Mr. Stock to issue a public apology, and convince him to make a donation to an LGBT rights group like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) or a charity that benefits LGBT people, (3) Publicly apologize for Mr. Stock's behavior and make a donation to an LGBT rights group like the HRC or a charity that benefits gay and lesbian people.

I look forward to your response,

Jackson R. Howa-Morrow