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IAC Newsletter – February 1991

  • Steve N.
  • Nov 15
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter – February 1991

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – February 1991

The July 1992 issue of IACTIVITY offers a vivid snapshot of LGBTQ+ AA nearly 30 years ago — filled with practical guidance, fellowship stories, group updates, contributions, and the earliest forms of the LGBTQ+ roundup calendar. It captures both the challenges and humor of the time, including controversies about Roundup formats, international resentments, and the importance of sticking to AA’s primary purpose.



⭐ Feature: “Roundups, Resentments & Rumors”


A candid editorial addressing concerns raised at several LGBTQ+ AA Roundups:

  • Some events were drifting into outside issues (“ISM/Mil” and “PMS” topics) unrelated to AA

  • This raised concerns about confusing newcomers

  • The newsletter encourages Roundups to stay within AA’s primary purpose and consult AA’s Guidelines for Conferences & Conventions (MG-4)


Bill W.’s reminder is quoted:

“Better to do one thing supremely well than many badly.”(Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions, Tradition Five)

💡 “Another Roundup Solution (or Two)”


Practical suggestions for Roundup committees:

  • Treasurers should have several years of sobriety and business experience

  • Require two signatures on all checks

  • Stay rooted in AA’s Traditions

  • Avoid confusion by focusing on recovery, not outside issues


📖 1993 Gay/Lesbian AA Directory – Pre-Order Now


The IAC had to postpone printing the next world directory due to low funds. Groups are urged to pre-order copies to help fund printing.


The issue includes:

  • A full Group Update Form

  • Instructions for updating meeting schedules, contact info, and representative names

  • A reminder that directories are only as accurate as the updates groups send in


🌍 International Resentments: Mass Mailing Attacks Overseas


Some AA groups abroad reported receiving hateful mass-mailings falsely accusing:

  • AA

  • IAC

  • LGBTQ+ Roundups


of “raising funds for the homosexual movement.”

IAC responds with dignity:

“We stand by AA’s Traditions. We are alcoholics, in recovery, in AA —also homosexual, gay, lesbian, and human beings committed to unity.”

✈️ Traveling? “Don’t Get an IAC-Resentment!”


Advice for AA members using the early international directory:

  • Some meetings listed may have moved or closed

  • Different cities run meetings differently (applause, prayers, coffee charges, etc.)

  • Be flexible — “Vive le difference!”


💰 Treasurer’s Report – Contributions Since April 1992


Dozens of LGBTQ+ AA groups contributed, including groups from:

  • San Diego

  • Oakland

  • Denver

  • Delaware

  • Florida

  • Hawaii

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • New Jersey

  • New Mexico

  • New York

  • Pennsylvania

  • Tennessee

  • Virginia

  • Toronto

  • British Columbia


Birthday contributions included:

  • 14 years, 12 years, 4 years, 25 years, and 11 years


Roundup Contributions:

  • Detroit “Together We Can”

  • Toronto Gratitude Roundup


Major Expenses:

  • Newsletter printing: $613

  • Newsletter postage: $872

  • Secretary postage: $200


Savings set aside for the 1995 International Convention so far: $692.59Estimated cost needed: $15,000


🕺 IAC & the 1995 AA International Convention (San Diego)


IAC announces it will host:

  • A Hospitality Suite

  • A Gay & Sober Dance


Volunteers and financial support are needed to prepare.


🌈 Personal Story: “Martinis at Age Two” — by Allyson D. (Atlanta)


A raw, unforgettable share describing:

  • Childhood sexual trauma

  • Early drinking (“martinis at age two”)

  • Homelessness and malnutrition

  • Multiple psychiatric hospitalizations

  • A powerful journey into sobriety

  • Transformation through service, therapy, and the Steps

  • Rebuilding life, identity, and self-worth


One of the most honest early LGBTQ+ AA stories published in IACTIVITY.


💬 More Highlights


Tape Library Expansion

  • Coast-to-Coast Audio donates 40 tapes

  • IAC seeks an International Tape Coordinator

  • Members invited to donate Roundup speaker tapes


“We Get Letters”


  • A secret lesbian AA group in Ireland (“Seven Sober Lesbians”) seeking contact

  • A letter from an Al-Anon chair praising IAC’s suggestion that LGBTQ+ members write for the Grapevine

  • Calls for more city reps, especially in WA and OR


🎉 1992 LGBTQ+ Roundup Calendar


This issue contains one of the earliest surviving roundup calendars, including:

  • Living Sober (San Francisco)

  • Rendezvous (Montreal)

  • Walk the Walk (New Haven)

  • Search for Serenity (Halifax)

  • Big Easy Does It (New Orleans)

  • Capitol Roundup (DC)

  • Ohio Roundup

  • Portland Roundup

  • Carolina Recovery

  • Chicago Roundup

  • Coming of Age (Seattle)

  • Rocky Mountain Roundup

  • Berlin Roundup

  • Hotlanta Roundup

  • Provincetown Roundup

  • Soberfest (Las Vegas)


This calendar alone is a priceless piece of LGBTQ+ AA history.


IAC Newsletter – February 1991

👉 Download the full PDF:


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