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IAC Newsletter – February 2006

  • Steve N.
  • Nov 15
  • 2 min read

IAC Newsletter – February 2006

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – February 2006

The February 2006 IAC Newsletter is a special expanded edition, offering nearly twenty pages of history, archival material, and foundational AA writings about special composition groups—including women’s groups, Black AA groups, young people, seniors, LGBTQ+ members, and several professional fellowships such as doctors, lawyers, and airline pilots (“Birds of a Feather”). This issue is one of the most historically significant documents produced during the IAC years.

The newsletter opens with correspondence received by IAC during January 2006, demonstrating IAC’s role as an international point of contact for LGBTQ+ AA members. Letters include:


  • Joy K. seeking a gay-friendly Al-Anon meeting in Maryland

  • Jeff P. from rural Oklahoma sharing isolation, asking about LGBTQ+ roundups, and offering service


The main portion of the issue reproduces a long-form article from BarefootsWorld.net titled “Special Composition Groups in A.A.” — an in-depth, research-based history that traces the origins, evolution, controversies, and eventual acceptance of groups whose members share experiences beyond alcoholism.


🌟 Major Sections of the Special Composition Groups History


The article covers, in extensive detail:


• Women in AA

Early struggles for acceptance, the formation of the first women’s AA groups, the rise of national women’s conferences, and the impact of cultural norms on their AA participation.

• Black Alcoholics

Historic barriers due to segregation, early Black AA groups starting in the 1940s, cultural challenges, and the development of strong communities such as those in Washington D.C., Detroit, and Ohio.

• Young People in AA (ICYPAA)

The rapid growth of young members beginning in the 1960s, the first young people’s groups, cultural tensions with older members, and the formation of ICYPAA in 1958.

• Seniors in AA

The need for groups addressing issues of older alcoholics, the creation of “Golden Years” meetings, and AA’s pamphlet “Time to Start Living.”

• LGBTQ+ Alcoholics

A full historical account of LGBTQ+ members in AA—from early informal gay groups in the 1940s–50s to the formation of openly gay meetings in the 1960s–70s.It also details the founding of the International Advisory Council (IAC) to serve as a directory, communication hub, and contact for LGBTQ+ AA members worldwide.

• Other Special Composition Groups

Including Spanish-speaking, French-speaking, Deaf/HOH groups, Native American meetings, and professional groups like:


  • Doctors in AA (IDAA)

  • International Lawyers in AA (ILAA)

  • Birds of a Feather (airline pilot AA groups)


💰 Treasurer’s Report

As of Feb 6, 2006:Bank balance: $3,018.28


🌟 Closing Message

Deputy Chair Stan L. shares encouragement for inclusive AA service, gratitude for contributions, and a reminder that IAC exists to support AA wherever LGBTQ+ alcoholics seek help.


IAC Newsletter – February 2006

👉 Download the full PDF:


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