Veteran Chicago Gay Activist Rick Garcia Fired from Equality Illinois

In what was described as a move "that will likely send shock waves through the local LGBT community", veteran Chicago-based LGBT activist Rick Garcia has been terminated from his job as public policy director at Equality Illinois.

Executive Director Bernard Cherkasov reportedly fired Garcia on Thursday but Garcia showed up for work on Friday and was removed from the offices by Chicago police officers, reports Windy City Times.

"Cherkasov confirmed the news during a conversation with Windy City Times. He said that during a Dec. 17 conference call with "key stakeholders to outline an agenda for Equality Illinois with our priorities for 2011 ... we all announced that Rick Garcia is no longer employed with Equality Illinois." Cherkasov added that "we will begin a new search process right after the holidays."

"Garcia's contribution to the advancement of gay rights in Illinois is undeniable. He was a key figure in the passages of both the amendment of the state's human-rights act that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as well as the civil-unions bill that recently passed through the Illinois General Assembly.

Garcia says he may pursue litigation to reclaim his position. He described the police incident that happened on Friday:

"Well, I went to the office. I walked in. He looked shocked that I was there. He did not think that I was going to come in. And then he said, Well, we all have to leave to go to the Christmas party. I said, 'Well, have fun.' 'Well, we can't leave you here, in an unlocked office.' He says, to the founder, the founder of that mother-fucking office. 'We can't leave you in here with an unlocked door.' I said, 'Well, call the police.' And he did, and four police officers came, and of course they all know me from the neighborhood. You know, it's all really nasty and it doesn't have to be nasty. And he's making it nasty."

In addition to his work on the statewide bills, Garcia lead the fight for the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance. Garcia has sometimes clashed with other activists and "is known for a sometimes brash style of delivering his message," adds ChicagoPride.com, which cites sources that say the "separation has been contemplated for a period of time and was not a surprise to board members."

Comments

[Jazzy]

Ok so what I gather from reading the article is that they have no real reason to fire him other than they want to move in a "new" direction. Is that even legal? I mean it's not about cutting costs or conduct unbecoming soo....?

[Honut Sinti]

So, he was not incompetent, did not steal coin from the coffers, hit someone, or abuse staff, etc. He was fired for being a take no prisoners kind of guy?

[Allen]

This was a hit by Gill Action. They promised Equality Illinois $100,000 and more to come in exchange for Rick's ouster. Rick speaks his mind and Gill likes to neuter or eliminate leaders they don't deem sufficiently compliant. Rick isn't the only one they've taken down. Gill folks likes to keep their hands clean but I've been in the inner sanctum and I know how they operate. If they can't leash a leader, they will work on his board and dangle money or sew dissension until staying is untenable. Most leaders get worn down and move on. I'm glad to know Rick Garcia is fighting back. It is a dangerous thing to have unaccountable billionaires strong arming the movement. Thanks for all you've done for our state Rick. This is a one heck of a thank you.