top of page
Search

IAC Newsletter – February 1988

  • Steve N.
  • Nov 16
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter – February 1988 (Issue No. 11) 

(International Advisory Council for Homosexual Men & Women in AA)


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – February 1988

The February 1988 issue of IACTIVITY is a foundational document in LGBTQ+ AA history. It includes early IAC leadership structure, critical updates to the international LGBTQ+ meeting directory, the announcement of the first-ever UK/Ireland IAC Coordinator, details about the Florida Roundup, early planning for the 1990 International AA Convention in Seattle, and one of the earliest written timelines of gay and lesbian AA group history.


This newsletter captures a vivid moment of growth, enthusiasm, and expanding international fellowship during the late 1980s.


🌟 Message from the Chair – Preparing for Seattle 1990


Chairperson Elaine N. shares:

  • A new, refreshed visual design for the newsletter

  • Growing energy in the IAC thanks to Vice Chair Rey A.

  • A call to begin planning now for the 1990 AA World Congress in Seattle

  • A reminder that the IAC Hospitality Suite at the 1985 Convention served 10,000 gallons of coffee — and Seattle may require even more

  • A request for volunteers for the hospitality suite and the LGBTQ+ dance

  • A desire for closer connection between IAC and individual LGBTQ+ AA groups


This was the earliest big push toward organizing the Seattle 1990 presence.


📘 1988 Edition of the International Directory

IAC sent update forms to every gay/lesbian AA group worldwide to ensure the upcoming directory would be accurate and trustworthy.

Groups were urged to return their update forms or contact Rick W. so their meetings wouldn’t be left out.


This directory was the only global listing of LGBTQ+ AA meetings at that time.


🏳️‍🌈 IAC at the Miami Roundup (Florida Roundup)

The next IAC council meeting was scheduled for:

Florida Roundup – MiamiCavalier III RoomSunday, 1:30 PM

Roundup organizers inserted IAC information sheets into all registration packets, including a rewritten introduction to the IAC.

An information table would also be staffed during mornings and afternoons for newcomers, visitors, and reps.


🎤 Living Sober ’88 – Speaker Search


The San Francisco Living Sober Roundup requested:

  • Speakers with 5+ years sober

  • Tapes to review (returned by request)

  • Liaisons in cities outside the Bay Area

  • Diversity in speaker selection

  • Assistance with travel and lodging available


This shows how early Roundups managed speaker outreach long before email or websites existed.


🇬🇧 New Coordinator Appointed for the UK & Ireland


A major milestone:

Henry R., co-founder of the London Gay Group of AA, was appointed as the first UK & Ireland Coordinator.

His role included:

  • Collecting meeting updates

  • Verifying new groups

  • Documenting LGBTQ+ AA history across the UK & Ireland


This marks the beginning of structured international outreach for IAC.


📜 Feature: A Brief Historical Timeline of LGBTQ+ AA


Compiled by Rey A., this is one of the earliest published histories of gay & lesbian AA groups, including landmark events:

1937

A gay alcoholic (“sex deviate”) asks Dr. Bob if he can join AA — leading to the roots of Tradition Three.

1945

A Black semi-drag individual attends an AA clubhouse in NYC and is welcomed:

“The only question we have a right to ask is: Are you an alcoholic?”

1949

First known gay AA group in Boston begins at the Stag Hotel.

1968

The Fell Street Group formed in San Francisco — the oldest continuously meeting gay AA group.

1969

Eight men start the first gay AA meeting in Los Angeles (MCC Church).

1971

Gay Group of Washington DC begins — still meeting today.

1972

The “New Group” starts in New York City.

This was intended as the first installment in an ongoing historical series.


🎉 Princeton Group Sweet 16 Anniversary


One of the oldest LGBTQ+ AA groups on the East Coast celebrated its 16th anniversary:

  • Princeton, NJ – Trinity Episcopal Church

  • Events included coffee hour, two AA speakers, and dancing

  • Princeton Group originally helped draft “Alcoholic and Gay?” — one of the earliest LGBTQ+ AA pamphlets


🗂 IAC Leadership Roster – 1988


One of the earliest complete leadership charts, featuring:

  • Chair: Elaine N. (MA)

  • Vice Chair: Rey A. (DC)

  • Secretary: William R. (Toronto)

  • Treasurer: Bob D. (Toronto)

  • Advisor: Fred J. (WI)

  • International Directory: Nancy T. (VA)

  • Newsletter: Charles D. (VA)

  • Outreach: Ed B. (FL)

  • Roundup Liaison: Rick Y. (NJ)

  • Special Projects: Dewey C. (CO)


This roster includes some of the founding figures of LGBTQ+ AA service.


IAC Newsletter – February 1988

👉 Download the full PDF:


bottom of page