Rick Garcia (activist)

Rick Garcia is an American LGBT activist.[1]

Rick Garcia
Born
St. Louis, Missouri
OccupationLGBT activist
Known forCo-founded Equality Illinois

Biography

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

References
  1. "WALKIN' THE DOG". Chicago Tribune. December 16, 1994.
  2. "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.
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