IAC Newsletter – August 2011
- Steve N.
- Nov 15
- 2 min read
IAC Newsletter – August 2011
The August 2011 IAC newsletter offers a comprehensive look at service activity, international outreach, and evolving conversations about identity and representation within the LGBTQ+ AA community. This issue reflects a period of growth and transition as the IAC evaluates its role, visibility, and future direction.
The issue opens with an introduction to the IAC Executive Committee, whose members at the time were actively visiting LGBTQ+ roundups across the U.S. and Canada. Trips included Austin, SEMRU, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Long Island, Provincetown, Toronto, Ohio, Together We Can (Michigan), Hotlanta, and more—most visits self-funded by committee members as part of their service commitment.
Several major updates come from the committee’s in-person meetings, including gatherings at:
The 2010 International Convention in San Antonio
SEMRU in Massachusetts
Akron, Ohio (home of AA’s birthplace)
Twin Cities Roundup in Minnesota
River City Roundup in California
The newsletter highlights IAC’s close relationship with AA Grapevine & La Viña, noting February 2011’s special issue featuring LGBTQ+ stories—one of the highest-selling editions in Grapevine history. Members are encouraged to submit photos, articles, jokes, artwork, and stories to Grapevine and La Viña to help carry the message more widely.
A special international story, “Trust the Process,” shares how a gay member from Brazil reached out for help starting an LGBTQ+ AA meeting. Through translation help from volunteers and coordination with AA World Services, IAC helped connect him with the Brazil GSO. The group was successfully formed using Portuguese AA materials.
A major section titled “What’s in a Name?” lays out the discussion that ultimately led to changing the organization’s name to GaL-AA. The committee invited feedback on whether IAC should adopt a clearer, more inclusive, and more recognizable name aligned with its mission. Proposed names included GaL-AA, LGM, SAGAA, “Gays in AA,” and others. Members were asked to submit their input before September 2011.
This issue also outlines significant election reforms, addressing long-standing challenges such as all committee members rotating out at the same time. The new model establishes staggered rotation so that half the committee is elected each cycle, strengthening continuity and stability.
Additional features include:
Service Opportunities (website team, meeting editors, feature writers, archivists, state reps, Atlanta 2015 planning)
Committee Member Profile: Hebert G., chronicling decades of service at area, district, roundup, and IAC levels
January 2010 – June 2011 Contribution Listings, thanking roundups, groups, and individuals internationally
IAC Newsletter – August 2011
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