Dear Editor,
I was shocked and saddened by Rick Garcia's termination by Equality Illinois. Yes, he speaks his mind. Yes, he fiercely opposes national groups trying to wrest dollars and control from the Illinois LGBT community. Yes, he's not afraid to speak truth to power, including our "friends" in high places.
But the record is clear: He gets things done. That's what counts in politics, period. Our movement has been blessed by his passion, values and leadership. I hope we have him back, and soon.
Matt Foreman
Executive director, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (2003-2008)
Executive director, Empire State Pride Agenda (1997-2003)
Executive director, NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (1990-1996)
Team Garcia, part two
Dear Editor,
I have known Rick Garcia for eight years and, in that time, I have been moved by his dedication to the LGBT community in the Chicagoland area and nationally. Mr. Garcia has fought to secure equal rights and fair treatment under the law for an important group of our community that went without a voice for far too long.
I believe that Mr. Garcia's dismissal from his position as political director for Equality Illinois will be a great loss for all of those who are working to fight the constraints that have shackled the LGBT community. My support for Rick Garcia is unwavering and I hope that both the board and executive committee members of Equality Illinois will revisit the decision to remove Mr. Garcia from the position he used to help push and pass the long-needed civil-union bill.
State Rep. Toni Berrios