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Rick Garcia (activist)

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Rick Garcia
Born
OccupationLGBT activist
Known forCo-founded Equality Illinois

Rick Garcia is an American LGBT activist.[1]

Biography

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Garcia is from St. Louis.[2] His advocacy work began in his teenage years organizing local gay rights efforts.[2]

After moving to Chicago in 1986, Garcia became a significant figure in the successful 15-year campaign for a 1988 ordinance prohibiting sexual-orientation discrimination.[2] As part of the activist group known as the "Gang of Four," he later contributed to the passage of the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance in 1993.[2]

Garcia co-founded Equality Illinois in 1992, advocating for statewide protections against discrimination.[2][3] He also helped establish the national Federation of Statewide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Political Organizations.[2]

Garcia has worked within the Roman Catholic Church and with various political groups to support LGBTQ+ rights.[2] He was previously associated with Maryland's New Ways Ministries, an organization focused on the gay and lesbian community.[2]

His partner Ernie Hunsperger died in 2020.[4]

Recognition

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References

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  1. ^ "WALKIN' THE DOG". Chicago Tribune. December 16, 1994.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Rick Garcia".
  3. ^ Felshman, Jeffrey (August 29, 1996). "How to Win Enemies and Influence People". Chicago Reader.
  4. ^ "PASSAGES Activist Ernie Hunsperger, Rick Garcia's longtime partner, dies - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. April 16, 2020.
  5. ^ "LGBTQ political activist Rick Garcia: "I don't see any great republicans today."". June 22, 2018.