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GaL-AA "Spotlight on Sobriety" 06/22/2025
- Steve N.
- Jun 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 22
In this week's publication:
Ginny P. – Celebrating 50 Years of Recovery
In Alcoholics Anonymous, we often say, “We are not a glum lot,” and we love to celebrate milestones in recovery. This year, we’re especially thrilled to recognize the 90th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous at the International AA Convention in Vancouver, Canada.
At GaL-AA, we’re equally excited to help celebrate the 50-year sobriety birthday of LGBTQ+ AA member Ginny P. of Palm Springs, California.
When Ginny P. walked into her first AA meeting in 1974, wearing bell bottoms, love beads,
track marks and reeking of vodka, the future hardly promised "peace and love". Yet today, with over five decades of continuous sobriety, Ginny stands as a pillar of the Southern California LGBTQ+ recovery community, having found and shared the very peace and love promised in the rooms of AA. Among those who know her, one phrase is often repeated: “She walks the walk.”
Ginny grew up in Kendallville, Indiana, in a home shaped by sharp contrasts: the steady presence of her buttoned up Realtor mother and the chaos of her alcoholic father—known by locals as “the town drunk.” She began high school as a popular cheerleader but soon drifted toward a rougher crowd more interested in drinking and partying than pom-poms and pep rallies.
Ginny's drinking escalated in college, where she discovered that amphetamines helped her manage an increasingly demanding academic load. In 1962, on a motorcycle outing, Ginny met her first girlfriend—and was introduced to intravenous drug use. Life became a whirlwind of dysfunctional adventure, chaotic romance, and European travel. Relationships proved difficult for a self-centered, practicing alcoholic. A string of girlfriends and even a brief, abusive marriage to “Mr. P.”—came and went.
Her career followed a similar pattern: from working as a tipsy schoolteacher to a vodka-fueled city bus driver, no job held her commitment for long. Ginny's life spiraled into a harrowing existence, marked by 14 auto accidents, broken bones, hospital stays, mental institutions, jail time, and grand mal seizures.
In 1974, Ginny was arrested for DUI with a dangerous blood alcohol level of 0.489. That arrest led her to her first AA meeting on July 13. Something shifted that night—a glimmer of hope sparked when an AA member simply said, “I know how you feel.” Begrudgingly, she returned the next evening, beginning what would become a long and continuous journey of recovery.
The First and Second Steps came easily for Ginny, but Step Three—and anything to do with God—was a real struggle. Yet through meetings, sponsorship, and service work, she found her footing in sobriety. Staying “in the middle of the boat” became her guiding principle.
Attending San Francisco’s Living Sober convention for LGBTQ+ alcoholics inspired Ginny to return to Indiana and help start the state’s first gay AA meeting in 1978—a group that continues to thrive today. In 1979, she relocated to San Francisco, launched a successful career in real estate, and deepened her commitment to recovery. Her service work with Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) was especially meaningful. For more than 10 years, she led AA meetings inside San Quentin Prison, working with many incarcerated for life without chance of parole.
Ginny lived through the exciting, vibrant heyday of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ scene in the early 1980s, only to witness the devastating toll of the AIDS crisis. Losing many friends and fellow AA members only strengthened her resolve to be of service—both inside and outside the rooms.
In 2003, Ginny relocated to Palm Springs, where she continues to share her experience, strength, and hope. Palm Springs is home to one of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ recovery communities in the country, and Ginny remains an integral part of that fellowship. She consistently emphasizes the practice of the Steps, Traditions, and spiritual principles in daily life—and is quick to remind us that she herself is still very human, still prone to character defects, and still in need of regular Tenth Step inventories and the occasional amends. She will often say "We didn't get sick overnight, and we don't get well overnight".
Throughout her sober journey, Ginny has faced—and overcome—significant physical challenges, including a broken neck and breast cancer. These experiences have only deepened her empathy and enriched her ability to connect with others in recovery. Even in her self-proclaimed “autumn years,” Ginny maintains a busy career, while regularly attending meetings, sponsors newcomers, speaks on H&I panels, practices Step Ten, and keeps a daily gratitude list—all practices that keep her spirit young and her program strong.
As we joyfully celebrate Ginny’s 50 years of sobriety, it’s easy to see how her favorite saying has become the foundation of her life:
“A grateful heart will never drink.”
NEW - AA LGBTQ+ Podcast Portal
GaL-AA’s LGBTQ+ Sober Podcast Library has been designed to provide support, education, and community for queer individuals navigating recovery. These podcasts offer the opportunity to listen to stories on addiction, healing, and personal growth, while also celebrating the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in sobriety. To help our listeners, we have sorted our podcasts into several categories.
Gay Sober podcasts offer a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals in recovery, providing stories, experience, strength and hope.
While lesbian-focused sober podcasts are still emerging, many general LGBTQ+ recovery podcasts include stories from lesbian individuals. These episodes often highlight the challenges of navigating sobriety in a community where alcohol-centric socializing is common.
Trans individuals face unique challenges in recovery, including navigating healthcare systems and finding affirming support networks. Podcasts in this category focus on the intersection of gender identity and sobriety, offering guidance and solidarity for trans individuals seeking a sober life.
The history of LGBTQ+ individuals in AA is rich and complex. Podcasts exploring this topic delve into the evolution of queer representation in AA, the formation of GaL-AA, and the impact of sobriety on the LGBTQ+ community.
Bill W., the co-founder of AA, left behind a legacy that continues to shape recovery communities worldwide. Several podcasts focus on his speeches which explore his story and his legacy.
The launch of GaL-AA’s LGBTQ+ Sober Podcasts marks a significant step toward carrying the message worldwide. We hope these podcasts help individuals embrace sobriety while celebrating their identities. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, education, or connection, these podcasts offer a valuable resource for anyone on the journey to recovery.
We encourage you listen and send any recommendations or additions to podcasts@gal-aa.org
AA Convention App is ready!
The below text was received from AA IC 2025 Support
Contact us at IC2025appsupport@aa.org with any questions or issues. |
A mobile app is available to help attendees navigate the convention. The app provides a digital version of the printed program, with session and convention venue information. With the app, you can filter by session type and view program information. |
We will have a limited number of printed programs available onsite at the convention for those unable to use the mobile app digital version. |
App Access : |
The app requires iOS 15 and higher or Android 11 and higher. Kindle Fire and other devices that use the Amazon App Store are not supported. |
If you are using a mobile device that is not compatible with, iOS 15 and higher or Android 11 and higher, the app will not be available for download. |
OPTIONS TO DOWNLOAD THE APP |
Apple |
App Store QR Code below |
Google Play Store QR code below |
To build your own unique schedule, you will need to login to the app or website. |
When prompted to login: |
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If attendees are unable to download the mobile app, there is an alternative. You can access the digital version of the printed program via the following website. |
Website Access : |
The Attendee Website is compatible with the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. |
The website URL is https://cvent.me/ZOZ5KE or just click the login button labeled "Log in to the IC 2025 Convention Website" in this email. |
Contact us at IC2025appsupport@aa.org with any questions or issues. At the convention there will also be onsite support. |
See you in Vancouver! |
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Volunteers Needed @ The Convention
If you are interested in being a GaL-AA volunteer at the Convention, use the link to the sign up form below. We need greeters at the hospitality suite, help promoting sales to our dance, helping clean up and set up at the dance.
Dance & Piano Bar - Tickets for the Convention
🌈🎶 Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate! 🎹✨
GaL-AA is hosting an unforgettable LGBTQ2S+ Dance & Piano Bar Night at the 2025 Vancouver Convention! Whether you're into club beats or cozy piano tunes, we've got something for everyone.
🗓️ Saturday, July 5th at 10:30 PM
📍 Vancouver Convention
🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Buy in advance to secure your spot—or even if you can’t make it, you can still purchase a ticket to support the event and help us keep the party inclusive and fabulous for all! 💖
✅ Everyone welcome.
Let’s light up the night in recovery and community!
Your GaL-AA Team
