Antonio David Garcia, known as Dave to friends and family, is a proud single gay father and has a degree in Communications with a Media focus from the University of Michigan – Flint. Dave first began his public fight for LGBT issues after being fired from his position as the Community Services Coordinator for his attempt to start a Gay Straight Alliance in the public schools back in 2000. After walking 55 miles overnight from the doors of a high school to the State Capitol, Garcia delivered what would be one of many heartfelt and inspiring speeches. For well over the past decade, Dave has continued his dedicated efforts to improve the lives and advance the cause of justice for all in the LGBT community, including his service on the Board of Directors for the Jim Toy Center in Ann Arbor and his current role on the National Centerlink Board. Dave currently serves as Executive Director of
Affirmations, following his role as Executive Director of the
Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center.
Additional accomplishments include being named, “Civil Libertarian of the Year” by the ACLU of Flint, being featured in Dan Woog’s book, Jocks II - Coming Out to Play, and winning two, 2009 Michigan Addy awards for his film work. Dave has completed a full-length documentary, Fences, and is a critically acclaimed playwright. His play, Candy Corn, Christ and the Convoluted Creation of Golf, debuted to sold-out audiences at the Performance Network in Ann Arbor and was named a top ten show by the Flint Journal.