Antonio David Garcia, Executive Director

“Dave”, as he is known to family and friends, first began his fight for LGBT issues after being fired from his position as the Community Services Coordinator of Swartz Creek 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 Swartz Creek High School to the State Capitol, Garcia delivered what would be one of many heartfelt and inspiring speeches.

Over the past ten years Dave has continued his dedicated efforts to improve the lives and advance the cause of justice for all in the LGBT community. He was recently named, "Civil Libertarian of the Year" by the ACLU of Flint, has been featured in Dan Woog's book, Jocks II coming Out to Play, and is the winner of two 2009 Michigan Addy awards for his film work.

Dave recently finished his first 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.

Dave is a proud single gay father and has a degree in Communications with a Media focus from the University of Michigan – Flint where he was awarded the 2009 Communication's Student of the Year.

Here are some links to some of Antonio David Garcia’s speeches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KXbozG7cxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN8VaGB8gKM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHXogI0fDo8

Alison Strasser, Director of Operations

Alison was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan and moved to Kalamazoo in the fall of 1998 to begin college at Western Michigan University.  During her time as an undergraduate student, she worked for a variety of non-profit organizations including Van Buren Youth Camp, Family & Children’s Services and WMU’s Center for Disability Services.  She graduated in 2003 with a BA in Sociology. 

In January of 2005, Alison began graduate school at Western Michigan University and received her Master’s of Public Administration degree in Nonprofit Leadership & Administration in 2005.  Following graduation, she joined the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center.

Alison currently lives in the Vine Neighborhood of Kalamazoo with her partner, Johnny and their dog, Gordie, and two cats, Cooper & Bobbie.