Rick Garcia (activist)

Rick Garcia is an American LGBT activist.

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

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. 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.

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

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

His partner Ernie Hunsperger died in 2020.

Recognition

 * Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame