Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, “[Rick] was a fighter for the LGBTQ community in Chicago, in Illinois, and in the country. Equality and human rights were the watchwords of his life. A man of deep conviction, Rick’s fight for civil rights changed the course of history.”
Originally from St. Louis, Garcia was born and raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. His early life was deeply shaped by his faith and education within the Church, attending Catholic school and graduating from Bishop DuBourg High School. His devotion was so profound that he seriously considered joining the priesthood, spending years studying theology. While his path eventually led him to secular advocacy, that theological foundation remained the bedrock of his life's work.
Known for his strategic mind and relentless spirit, Garcia was a primary architect of the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance and played a vital role in the passage of the Illinois Human Rights Act. His influence stretched from the local level in Chicago to the state capital in Springfield, where he was respected by legislators for his uncompromising dedication to his cause.
Beyond his direct lobbying, Garcia was a visible and influential voice in the media. He served as a frequent contributor, commentator, and regular source for the former Chicago Phoenix LGBTQ news publication. Through his writing and commentary, he helped shape the community’s understanding of political strategy and the importance of civic engagement.
For Garcia, the struggle for equality was deeply intertwined with his identity as a devout Catholic. He believed in the power of speaking out for reforms within the Church, especially regarding the role of women in ministry and the full acceptance, inclusion, and participation of LGBTQ people. As part of his commitment to these reforms, he worked with Dignity and New Ways Ministry, two national Catholic ministries that advocate for equity and inclusion. He frequently engaged in dialogue about the intersection of faith and God, challenging the Church to reflect a message of radical inclusion and dignity for all.
This conviction often placed him in direct opposition to the Church hierarchy. Garcia was a frequent and vocal critic and protestor of the conservative archbishop of Chicago, the late Cardinal Francis George. He saw no contradiction between his faith and his advocacy; rather, he saw his activism as a religious imperative, even when it meant publicly challenging the leadership of the institution he loved.
"It is with heavy hearts that the family and dearest friends of Rick Garcia announces the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend," said Richard Streetman, a longtime friend and family spokesman. "While many knew Rick as a fierce and legendary activist who spent decades fighting for equality, justice, and dignity in Illinois and beyond, we knew him as a man of immense warmth, sharp wit, and a fierce commitment to his convictions. Rick dedicated his life to the belief that everyone deserves to live with pride and legal protection. His work helped shape history, but his true impact was felt in the lives of the individuals he empowered and the community he helped build."
Modesto Tico Valle, the former chief of Center on Halsted, emphasized Garcia's role as a trailblazer. "He created a movement when there wasn’t a clear path," Valle said. "He fought hard for visibility, dignity, and space for all of us to exist fully and unapologetically. His style wasn’t always easy for everyone to understand, and not everyone agreed with how he moved through the world, but what could never be denied was his vision and his mission. He saw what our community could become, and he refused to let go of that dream."
Valle added that Garcia's confrontational nature was often the catalyst for progress. "He challenged us. He pushed boundaries. He made people uncomfortable because growth often begins there. And through it all, his heart remained rooted in helping others, especially those who felt unheard, unseen, or left behind. To me, he was more than a leader. He was my mentor. My inspiration. Chicago’s LGBTQ community is stronger because of him."
Bishop James Alan Wilkowski of The Evangelical Catholic Church also highlighted Garcia’s dedication to mentoring others within the faith. "Rick reached out to me in 1996 after my priesthood ordination and we became fast friends," Wilkowski said. "He encouraged my passion for social justice and peace matters and mentored me in the art of public outreach and public relations. Rick never failed to witness his faith and spirituality in his public missions for equality for all."
Equality Illinois, the organization Garcia helped establish as a founding director, called him a "towering leader." In a statement, the group noted: "Rick’s visionary leadership helped secure Chicago’s landmark 1988 anti-discrimination ordinance. His legacy lives on in the laws he helped pass and the countless lives affected by his work."
Dave Bentlin, a friend and fellow advocate who first worked with Garcia in 1995 to organize support in Bloomington and Normal, recalled his strategic focus and his understanding of the political landscape. "Rick knew that a state bill was possible only if we could demonstrate support in local communities," Bentlin said. "He was relentless, tenacious, and razor sharp in focusing on the work to be done. He was instrumental in making our state a better environment for the queer community."
ALMA Chicago also mourned the loss of their cherished friend. "Rick didn’t just fight for LGBTQ rights; he changed the legal and political landscape so our communities could live with dignity, safety, and power," the organization stated. "His legacy demands more than remembrance; it demands action."
Throughout his life, Garcia remained a mentor to generations of activists. He possessed a rare ability to navigate both the halls of power and the grassroots heart of the community, never losing sight of the individuals who stood to benefit from the progress he sought. His career was a testament to the idea that one person, fueled by faith and an unshakeable commitment to justice, can move the world toward a more equitable future.
Garcia’s legacy is found in the legal protections enjoyed by millions of Illinois residents and in the vibrant LGBTQ community he helped build, protect, and empower. He will be remembered as a titan of the movement, a loyal friend, and a man whose devotion to his community was matched only by his devotion to his values.