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IAC Newsletter – February 1993

  • Steve N.
  • Nov 15
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter – February 1993

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – February 1993

The February 1993 edition of IACTIVITY captures a vibrant, deeply personal, and service-driven moment in LGBTQ+ AA history. With stories of survival, early LGBTQ+ meeting development, international correspondence, tape library growth, and one of the most extensive roundup calendars of the early 90s, this issue is a cornerstone of the IAC archive.




🎧 IAC Tape Library — Explosive Growth

From a small suggestion in a prior issue, the IAC Tape Library suddenly received 500+ audio tapes. While most were from other fellowships (Al-Anon, NA, CODA), 28 AA-specific LGBTQ+ tapes were added — including Roundup speakers and workshop recordings.


These tapes were especially valuable for:

  • Isolated LGBTQ+ AAs (“loners”)

  • Members in rural or conservative areas

  • Incarcerated alcoholics

  • People who had never heard an openly LGBTQ+ AA speaker


Tape costs were set at $2–$4 depending on who provided the blank cassette. Members were encouraged to donate more LGBTQ+ AA recordings.


Tape Librarian: Hilda C., Michigan.


🏳️‍🌈 1993–1994 World Directory of Gay/Lesbian AA Meetings Released


A major milestone: The new international LGBTQ+ AA meeting directory was printed and ready for distribution.


Compiled by Reilly K., the directory lists thousands of meetings worldwide, plus dozens of roundups. Bulk rates were offered so groups could stock copies for newcomers.

This is one of the earliest global LGBTQ+ AA directories known to exist.


🗽 IAC Visits GSO New York


IAC Chair Mike Z. met with GSO staff (Lois F., George D.) at the new NY headquarters and emphasized:

  • IAC’s unity with AA

  • Commitment to the AA primary purpose

  • The vital need for LGBTQ+ communication and meeting information


Mike continued traveling to LGBTQ+ AA meetings in:

  • NYC

  • Toronto

  • Minneapolis

  • Youngstown

  • Cleveland

  • Toledo

  • Las Vegas


He shares a touching moment of visiting a man he once 12th-stepped who now had 90 days sober.


🕊 In Memoriam — Rick Y.

A tribute to Rick Y., an early IAC organizer and Roundup Liaison, who passed away in Vero Beach, Florida. His service helped shape the earliest IAC structure.


💔 “Thank You for Giving Me a Purpose” — Personal Story by Jo M.


A deeply moving recovery story from Kenosha, WI, detailing:

  • Childhood trauma, rape, violence, and repeated suicide attempts

  • Alcohol dependence beginning at age 8

  • Feeling “a freak of nature”

  • A moment of spiritual intervention that led her to detox

  • Third treatment where she finally heard AA’s message

  • Sobriety through sponsorship, meetings, and intense service

  • Starting her town’s first gay AA meeting

  • Serving as AA sponsor in women’s correctional facilities


She concludes:

“My purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics — and for that I am responsible.”

🌍 International & U.S. Correspondence — “We Get Letters”


Messages from:

  • Australia (new LGBTQ+ directory information)

  • Montreal (Roundup gratitude)

  • New York City (loners seeking connection)

  • Culver City (women's group closing & donating remaining funds)


These letters highlight IAC’s growing global network long before modern internet tools existed.


💜 “AA Saved My Life” — Personal Story by M.M. (Illinois)


A powerful journey through:

  • Early blackout drinking

  • Psychiatric wards

  • Severe addiction to alcohol and drugs

  • A spiritual awakening on a beach

  • Sobriety beginning April 1987

  • Current service in Archives and Roundups

  • A full, meaningful sober life through AA


📬 How to Join or Support the IAC Loners Program


Instructions to:

  • Write to IAC

  • Identify whether you are a loner or want to write to a loner

  • Connect with isolated LGBTQ+ AA members worldwide

  • Support military, incarcerated, and geographically remote alcoholics


💰 Group, Roundup, Birthday, Memorial & Directory Sale Contributions


A large contributions section lists donations from groups across:

  • U.S. states

  • Canada

  • Germany

  • Japan

  • South Africa


Roundups donated more than $3,500, including Cleveland, Toronto, Phoenix, Montreal, Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.


Total income for 1992: $24,350.68Expenses reported: $18,547.70


🎉 1993 LGBTQ+ Roundup Calendar


A full calendar of Roundups including:

  • Nashville – Grand Ole Roundup

  • Detroit – Together We Can

  • Florida – Florida Roundup

  • Calgary – Sober & United

  • Rochester — Jefferson Holiday Inn

  • Vancouver – Celebrate Sobriety

  • Phoenix – Spring Break

  • Laguna – Miracles Happen

  • Boston Roundup

  • Big D Dallas

  • Chicago – Happy, Joyous & Free

  • Long Island Roundup

  • Montreal – Rendez-Vous

  • San Francisco – Living Sober

  • New Haven – Walk the Walk

  • GLAA Vermont

  • New Orleans Roundup

  • Ohio Roundup

  • Germany – European Roundup

  • Las Vegas – Soberfest

  • Toronto – Gratitude


One of the earliest preserved LGBTQ+ roundup calendars.


IAC Newsletter – February 1993

👉 Download the full PDF:


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