Spotlight On Sobriety 09/07/2025
- Steve N.
- Sep 2, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
In this week's publication:
Click the link below:
New Facebook Private Page
Sept Member AA Anniversaries
Spotlight On Sobriety 09/07/2025
Call For Candidates & Notice Of Annual Meeting
As part of our commitment to transparency, leadership renewal, and member engagement, the Executive Committee of GaL-AA is pleased to announce that we will hold elections for Deputy Chair, Secretary, and Advisor II at our Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 12:30 PM on Zoom. Annual Meeting information is available on our Annual Meeting page.
Those interested in service should submit a resume by September 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM, ET. This is your opportunity to step forward and make a meaningful contribution to the Alcoholics Anonymous LGBTQ+ community. Election, open position, and requirements are available on our Election Page.
Please submit your resume, a brief statement of interest or qualifications, and a brief record of your service in Alcoholics Anonymous using the "Candidate Submittal" button on our Election Page.
Why participate? Elections are a vital part of our democratic process. Whether you're running for a position or casting your vote, your voice matters. Let’s shape the future of GaL-AA together.
If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at elections@gal-aa.org.
GaL-AA Election schedule
September 7, 2025 |
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September 7, 2025 | The Annual Meeting & Elections page of our website, GaL-AA.org will be available |
September 28, 2025 | Last day to submit resumes |
October 19, 2025 | The slate of candidates will be posted |
November 1, 2025: |
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Yours in service,
GaL-AA Election Committee
From Our Archives Series: How IAC Fits In With A.A. General Service
Republished from IAC newsletter Sept 1984. IAC was GaL-AA’s original name.
The IAC is a bringing together of gay people in Alcoholics Anonymous, while stressing A.A. Unity through the 12 Traditions. Gays/lesbians have similar experience, strength, and hope to share with one another as members of A.A. and to share with the gay/lesbian newcomer. The IAC is a special service association which helps assure gay people that they are welcome in A.A., wanted in A.A., and needed in A.A.
The IAC is not a part of the A.A. General Service Office, but has a cordial working relationship with GSO. The General Service Board welcomes gay groups. Dr. John Norris, then chairperson of the Board, said in a 1977 presentation:
“We have never discouraged A.A.s from forming special-purpose meetings of any or all kinds to meet the needs of interested individuals, but we have been hesitant to consider as groups those that might seem to exclude any alcoholic, for whatever reason.”
GSO’s newsletter Box 459 reported Dr. Norris’ statement in Vol. 26, No. 4 (copyright A.A. World Services, reprinted with permission), and pointed out that all A.A. “groups” must follow the Traditions and are listed in A.A. meeting directories. A “meeting” (not listed) is still part of the A.A. fellowship even though it might exclude some alcoholics, such as non-gays.
The Box 459 article quoted an October 1977 Grapevine story:
“Homosexuals believe that their sexual orientation and the specifics of their emotional relationships would not be understood or accepted in regular A.A. meetings . . . . Whether or not we agree with all this thinking, the point is that many alcoholics do believe in it. And they believe in it seriously enough to form these special groups and make them work.”
The Grapevine story also mentioned other categories of “special-purpose groups”—young people, and professionals.
Gay people in Alcoholics Anonymous have formed many hundreds, perhaps a thousand, gay/lesbian groups and meetings. About half are not listed in A.A. directories, for several reasons. Some are simply not listed as “gay.” Some are closeted and not listed at all. Some exclude non-gay alcoholics. And some Central or Intergroup offices still refuse to list gay groups.
The IAC, through its World Directory of Gay/Lesbian Groups of Alcoholics Anonymous, urges all groups to become listed at local Central Offices and at GSO (we get most of our listings through these sources). The very best way for A.A. to attract the suffering gay/lesbian alcoholic is through gay listings in the directories.
Download Original 1984 Newsletter
Embracing Diversity in Recovery: The Role of AA’s Special Interest Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has long been a refuge for those seeking recovery from alcoholism. Yet within its broad fellowship, many members find deeper connection and healing through meetings tailored to shared identities or life experiences. These gatherings often referred to as special interest groups, special composition, or special purpose groups offer what AA calls “double identification”: the powerful bond of relating not only to alcoholism, but also to a common lived experience.
What Are Special Interest Groups?
Special interest groups are AA meetings formed to support members who share a particular identity or background in addition to their alcoholism. These might include LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, young people, healthcare professionals, or others who find that shared context enhances their recovery journey.
Importantly, these groups are not separate from AA; they are deeply rooted in AA’s core principles and Traditions. Their goal is inclusion, not exclusion. They exist to make AA more accessible, not more exclusive.
Why These Groups Exist
These meetings serve a vital purpose within the Fellowship:
Double Identification: Members relate both to alcoholism and to a shared life experience, which can be especially welcoming for newcomers who may feel hesitant or unsure.
Attraction, Not Promotion: In keeping with AA’s Eleventh Tradition, these groups do not promote themselves as superior or separate, they simply offer a space where identification may come more easily.
Tradition-Conscious: These groups operate within AA’s Twelve Traditions, particularly Tradition Three: “The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.” All are welcome.
Support from the General Service Office
AA’s General Service Office (GSO) plays a key role in supporting these groups. While GSO does not officially label any meeting as “special,” it works closely with service entities and committees that address specific needs within the Fellowship. These include groups focused on accessibility, remote communities, and underserved populations.
Rather than viewing these meetings as “special interest” in the conventional sense, GSO recognizes them as focused service efforts and extensions of AA’s mission to support recovery and unity across diverse communities.
Open to All
A guiding principle for all AA meetings, including special interest groups, is openness. The GSO has affirmed that any meeting formed to meet the needs of interested individuals must remain open to any alcoholic seeking help. This ensures that AA’s foundational spirit of inclusivity and mutual support remains intact.
These groups reflect AA’s evolving understanding of what it means to be truly welcoming. By honoring both shared experience and shared purpose, they help ensure that every alcoholic—regardless of background—can find a place to recover, connect, and thrive.
Some AA Special Interest Groups with links to more information
Organizations | AA Pamphlets |
Jim D
Atlanta, GA
🌈 GaL-AA St. Louis 2030 Facebook Private Group is Now Open!
GaL-AA is excited to announce the launch of our new private Facebook group: GaL-AA St. Louis 2030! 🎉 This group will be the home for updates, fellowship, and planning as we look toward the 2030 AA International Convention in St. Louis.
Join the conversation, connect with members, and be part of building something special for our community.
👉 Visit & Request to Join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/galaastlouis2030
Yours in service,
GaL-AA Marketing Committee
September Member AA Anniversaries
To add or edit your sobriety date, click on the link in the email you received from us. It is located in the footer of the email where it says “update your preferences”. If you are not an email registered member yet, please click here to sign up and we can help celebrate your milestone.
Name Date Years
Bryan | C | September 5, 2016 | 9 |
Buddy | S | September 27, 1991 | 34 |
Christian | J | September 25, 2024 | 1 |
Christine | P | September 3, 1995 | 30 |
Daniel | B | September 1, 1986 | 39 |
De Quan | G | September 3, 2021 | 4 |
E. | L | September 14, 1984 | 41 |
Edward | V | September 2, 2023 | 2 |
Gina | S | September 29, 2023 | 2 |
Helene | H | September 13, 1976 | 49 |
Jessica | G | September 28, 2018 | 7 |
Joni | W | September 9, 2024 | 1 |
Julie | G | September 1, 2004 | 21 |
Karen | I | September 16, 1990 | 35 |
Kat | B | September 4, 2022 | 3 |
Kessler | H | September 20, 2024 | 1 |
L | P | September 14, 1987 | 38 |
Lorraine | H | September 29, 1997 | 28 |
Nicole | P | September 17, 2019 | 6 |
Patrick | P | September 24, 2018 | 7 |
Philip | E | September 30, 2000 | 25 |
Rady | A | September 7, 1994 | 31 |
Rich | S | September 1, 1991 | 34 |
Sherry | L | September 10, 1982 | 43 |
Soterios | R | September 5, 2009 | 16 |
T.W. | C | September 22, 2017 | 8 |
Theresa | Q | September 24, 2024 | 1 |
Thomas | C | September 26, 2019 | 6 |
Tina | H | September 27, 2021 | 4 |
GaL-AA's Spotlight On Sobriety 09/07/2025 features personal stories and reflections submitted by members and friends of the fellowship. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Alcoholics Anonymous or GaL-AA.
Your GaL-AA Newsletter Team
