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GaL-AA "Spotlight on Sobriety" 07/13/2025
- Steve N.
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In this week's publication:
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GaL-AA's Convention Welcome Meeting
Stories From Vancouver - by GaL-AA Board & Host Committee
Attending the 2025 AA International Convention in Vancouver was a life-changing experience—and my very first convention! While I had an idea of what to expect from being on the GaL-AA board and sitting through what felt like 10,000 planning meetings, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer number of sober people I would meet, laugh with, exchange stories and buttons with, and form instant connections with. The highlight for me (though it’s hard to pick just one) was Thursday’s GaL-AA LGBTQ2S+ Welcome Meeting. (Podcase of the meeting is posted now) It was standing-room only, packed with sober LGBTQ+ folks and allies, and the energy in that room was electric. I was responsible for recording the meeting—since it wasn’t an official AA event, no one else was doing it—and I spent a good chunk of it obsessing over whether the recorder would mysteriously stop, melt, or explode. Classic alcoholic brain: controlling the uncontrollable! But once I let that go and really listened, I was hooked. Cindi and Jason, our local GaL-AA chairs and their amazing volunteers, pulled off incredible events all weekend—half the time I didn’t even know what was coming, and each one was a joyful surprise.
After the emotional high of the closing meeting on Sunday, I still had a full day to explore before heading home Monday night. I took a Vancouver seaplane tour (a little terrifying at first, but hey—I didn't drink through a pandemic just to skip cool stuff now!), and soaked in the stunning city views.
On Monday, I visited the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which has become a tradition for me in every new city I visit—10/10 recommendations. All weekend long, I kept bumping into AA’ers I had met, and each time it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. We’d start chatting like we’d known each other forever. This city is so beautiful, and the people so kind, I could genuinely see myself living here. If God allows, I’ll never miss another AA Convention. Vancouver set the bar high—and I’m already wondering how St. Louis is going to top it!
Steve N
GaL-AA - Marketing and Tech Liaison
Las Vegas, NV USA
It was the absolute highlight of my first 30 years of sobriety to co-chair the Vancouver GaL-AA Committee with my best friend, Cyndi. We’ve done so many AA-related events over the years, but being part of this was truly next level!
We were incredibly lucky to have our amazing friend group—some of the most dedicated AA members out there—join us on this committee. Philip Y, John T, John C, Fiona C, Lou K, Braydon B, and Gary S all did a spectacular job, as we knew they would (and always have). It was also a pleasure to get to know Dale W, our local GaL-AA rep, even better.
Working with our longtime friend Solis R was a joy, as was collaborating with the entire GaL-
AA committee—especially Steve N and Jim D, whose efforts were nothing short of heroic.
But the cherry on top for us was Pierre B, the chair of GaL-AA, whose unwavering support and encouragement meant the world to us. He was instrumental in securing the venues, which were key to our success, and he helped at every step from day one.
A heartfelt thank you to the speakers at our Thursday “Welcome Meeting”—Fred F (San Jose), Greg C (Germany), Theres G (Quebec), and Wole P (Los Angeles)—who continue to receive glowing compliments. And the panelists at the LGBTQ+ meetings throughout the convention were all phenomenal.
Most importantly, thank you to the 150+ volunteers who helped with everything from the Thursday Night Meeting and Family Feud to the Hospitality Suite, ticket sales, greeters, dance setup, and cleanup (the real rock stars!). Every one of you helped make this unforgettable.
I'm still beaming from ear to ear. Thank you so very much.
Love & hugs,
Jason B.
Co-Chair - Vancouver Host Committee
Wow! How can my spirit feel so enriched, recharged, and excited—while my body is absolutely exhausted?
I guess 16 months of LGBTQ+ event planning for the International AA Convention as a member of the GaL-AA Board, followed by six days of non-stop, action-packed attendance at the Vancouver convention, will do that. I didn’t want to miss a single moment.
The GaL-AA-sponsored Welcome Meeting kicked off the event on a strong note. The LGBTQ-themed GSO panels, the hilarious Family Feud, and the electrifying Saturday night dance party were all spectacular. But my true spiritual nourishment came from the AA members—meeting, listening, and sharing.
“We are not a glum lot,” and it showed as we mingled and shared our experience, strength, and hope. We don’t offer theories—we share the facts of our lives.
I was thrilled to meet GaL-AA members from Switzerland, Haiti, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Ecuador, Great Britain, and every state in the union. One member even gifted our archives a vintage IAC pin from the 1995 San Diego Convention.
(Our original GSO-given name was the “International Advisory Council for Homosexual Men and Women in AA,” which became GaL-AA in 2013.)
My mother, with 48 years of sobriety, also attended, and it was deeply meaningful to share our fifth International Convention together. Most special of all was experiencing the entire event with my partner and fellow AA member, Jack F.—creating memories I will forever cherish.
Now, I’m looking forward to a long nap—and the 2030 International Convention!
Vincent B
GaL-AA - Advisor II
Palm Springs, CA
I’m just about to head home from one of the most exciting—and, I believe, most successful—weeks of my several 24 hours in recovery: the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The location was a highlight. Vancouver is lovely, and its downtown is relatively compact—a mix of late 19th and early 21st-century architecture, beautifully planted with trees and shrubs. Most places are walkable, and when they aren’t, the public transportation system is excellent. Taxis are also available and reasonably priced.
As always, the most amazing thing about an AA convention is the people. Even in the midst of crowds and occasional confusion, the atmosphere was relaxed, helpful, and filled with gratitude. People were eager to connect—with both old friends and new acquaintances. I was surprised and touched when someone stopped me during registration—a gentleman I hadn’t seen since the Atlanta Convention ten years ago. He asked me once again to sign his reprint of the first edition of the Big Book as we caught up.
The true “business” of the convention began early Thursday morning with a face-to-face
meeting of GaL-AA’s Executive Committee. I met members of the Vancouver Committee and several newer Executive Committee members in person for the first time. It’s always interesting to finally meet people you’ve only seen in Zoom boxes! The meeting set a tone of productivity that continued throughout the weekend.
After the meeting and lunch, I attended a program by the Archives at Stepping Stones. It included brief presentations on, Dr. Bob’s house in Akron, and Stepping Stones itself. I was able to connect with several members of the Archives team I’ve been working with on transcripts for about a year. Though the person I work with most directly couldn’t attend, her colleagues were equally warm and helpful. I was a bit disappointed, however, that the presentations didn’t address accessibility improvements still needed at each of the sites.
Thursday evening marked the start of official AA meetings with a GaL-AA-sponsored
welcome event at the Convention Center. Although this meeting was not listed in the GSO’s official convention app, it was packed beyond capacity. The room, originally set for 550, was expanded by opening the back wall, with attendees spilling out into the surrounding walkways. We estimate attendance reached 800. The Vancouver Committee organized the speakers and did an outstanding job, presenting a diverse and dynamic panel representing the LGBTQI2S+ community within AA—all with local ties. Each speaker brought their own energy, and the lineup built excitement and inspiration right through to the closing.
Most of my Friday was spent in the GaL-AA Hospitality
Suite, meeting people and sharing information. I connected in person with several folks I’ve seen in Zoom meetings over the past few years. Again, I was struck by the warm camaraderie and open sharing—so different from the tension often found in large public gatherings today. At this point, it felt like AA had taken over downtown Vancouver, and the joy overflowed into the streets. We were frequently greeted by other attendees as we walked to lunch.
One beloved tradition at International Conventions is the exchange of pins and buttons. One especially moving moment came when a woman presented GaL-AA with a button from 1995—the San Diego Convention—when we were still known as the International Advisory Council (I.A.C.) for Homosexual Men and Women in Alcoholics Anonymous. The button, in pristine condition, featured the initials I.A.C. on a reversed pink triangle with a rainbow background. Every element holds deep meaning for our LGBTQ2S+ community.
GaL-AA hosted three packed workshops during the weekend. Each room was set for 1,200 attendees, and even then, people had to be turned away. If someone left their seat, it was quickly taken by someone waiting outside. The final workshop, Accessing AA as People of Transgender Experience, was a first in AA history. A newer member of the GaL-AA Executive Committee participated on the panel and shared her experience, strength, and hope.
We wrapped up GaL-AA’s contributions with two events that have become International Convention traditions: the crowning of Ms. Sobriety World 2025 and our dance. Four contestants—one from Canada and three from the U.S.—competed for the title of Ms./Mr. Sobriety World. Each had spent months raising funds to support GaL-AA’s operations and preparations for the 2030 Convention in St. Louis. Only the top two finalists performed, but all showed exceptional creativity and talent.
The crowning ceremony was held at the dance venue, where the Vancouver Committee truly outdid themselves. They transformed two meeting rooms into a vibrant dance hall, complete with lighting, plants, multiple stages, and a quiet social area outside. It was a stunning, joyful celebration.
Even on Monday, the energy hadn’t faded. I had the pleasure of meeting Adam R. from California, who shares my passion for LGBTQ2S+ AA history. He’s done extensive research on Barry L., an early and influential gay member of the fellowship. Over a two-hour lunch, we shared insights on Barry, AA history, and our experiences at the convention.
I leave Vancouver exhausted, but deeply inspired and filled with gratitude for the promising future of GaL-AA, its role in our fellowship, and the ongoing evolution of Alcoholics Anonymous.
JAMES R., Archivist, GaL-AA
Atlanta, GA
2025 AA Convention - GaL-AA's LGBTQS2+ Welcome Meeting 7/3/2025
Podcase of the Welcome Meeting
New Convention Volunteer T-Shirt
Roundup Calendar Update
Please let us know if one is missing or incorrect. Email us at support@gal-aa.org
Name | Website | 2025 Date |
Arizona Spring Break (Scottsdale, AZ) | 4/25 to 4/27 2025 | |
The Highlands Retreat (Highlands, NC) | 5/2 to 5/4 2025 | |
Florida Roundup (Fort Lauderdale, FL) | 5/14 to 5/18 2025 | |
Sober in the Sun (Palm Springs, CA) | 5/15 to 5/18 2025 | |
Big D Roundup (Dallas, TX) | 5/23 to 5/26 2025 | |
Gay & Sober Members Conference (New York, NY) | 6/26 to 6/30 2025 | |
Western Roundup - Living Sober 2023 (San Francisco) | 8/22 to 8/24 2025 | |
Fourth Dimension Fellowship (Palm Springs, CA) | 9/11 to 9/14 2025 | |
Long Island Roundup (Long Island, NY) | 9/26 to 9/28 2005 | |
The Provincetown Roundup (Ptown) | 10/23 to 10/26 2025 | |
Chicago Roundup | 11/14 to 11/16 2025 | |
Houston Roundup (Houston, TX) | 11/27 to 11/30 2025 | |
International Women’s Conference (Dallas, TX) | 2/12 to 2/15 2026 | |
Gulf Coast Roundup (Fort Walton Beach) | 2/13 to 2/15/2026 | |
Southeastern Massachusetts Roundup (SEMRU) (Mansfield, MA) | TBD | |
Spirit By The Sea (Rehoboth Beach, DE) | TBD | |
Quest Carolina Roundup (Myrtle Beach, SC) | TBD | |
Aloha Roundup (Honolulu, HI) | TBD | |
New Jersey Round Up 2024 (Spring Lake) | TBD | |
Together We Can (Detroit, MI) | TBD | |
Austin Roundup (Austin, TX) | TBD | |
Sober & Free (San Jose, CA) | TBD | |
Toronto Gratitude Roundup | TBD |
Contributions Last Quarter
April - June, 2025
Date | Contributor | Amount |
04/05/2025 | Wesley P. | 22.73 |
04/11/2025 | G&L AA Group - Des Moines, IA | 50.00 |
04/11/2025 | Fri Night Men's Group - Doylestown, PA | 50.00 |
04/11/2025 | Fabulous in Sobriety - Toms River, NJ | 50.00 |
04/14/2025 | Primary Purpose - Columbia, SC | 41.71 |
04/21/2025 | Calvin N. | 10.70 |
04/22/2025 | Spiritual Awakenings - San Diego, CA | 415.36 |
04/25/2025 | 7 AM Sunny Dunes Attitude Adjustment Online Group - Palm Springs, CA | 35.00 |
04/27/2025 | Lambda Group - Traverse City, MI | 10.70 |
04/28/2025 | Steven N. | 10.70 |
05/13/2025 | Lunch Bunch Groups - Portland, OR | 50.00 |
05/13/2025 | Midday Group # 419671 - Palm Springs, CA | 79.43 |
05/14/2025 | Sunny Dunes #100 - Palm Springs, CA | 140.71 |
05/19/2025 | Last Call - Los Angeles, CA | 15.31 |
05/19/2025 | Dayton Downtowners - Dayton, OH | 10.00 |
05/19/2025 | Dayton Downtowners - Dayton, OH | 10.00 |
05/19/2025 | Queers, Crackpots & Fallen Women - Richmond, VA | 33.21 |
05/19/2025 | Light Group - Raleigh, NC | 55.60 |
05/21/2025 | Calvin N. | 10.70 |
05/28/2025 | Steven N. | 10.70 |
06/05/2025 | Jim D. | 100.00 |
06/05/2025 | Steven N. | 20.00 |
06/10/2025 | Keith H. | 10.00 |
06/12/2025 | The Lavender Online Group - Northeast | 20.97 |
06/15/2025 | Live & Let Live - Tampa, Fl | 650.00 |
06/21/2025 | Calvin N. | 10.70 |
06/30/2025 | Sober Nudist Men Fellowship - Virtual | 200.00 |
TOTAL | $ 2,124.23 |
Any issues and/or questions about contributions, please email: treasurer@gal-aa.org.
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