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IAC Newsletter — January 1987

  • Steve N.
  • 7 days ago
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter — January 1987 (Issue No. 9) 

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – November 1987

📬 IAC Newsletter — January 1987

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


Year-End Reflections from the Chair

Chairperson Alan H. opens the 1987 newsletter with a reflective report on his first full year in the role, following the 1985 Montreal business meeting. His term began with major responsibilities at the 50th AA International Convention, where the IAC coordinated several impactful events:

  • Four workshops (three English, one French)

  • Open AA speaker meetings

  • An International Hospitality Suite & Information Center at the Hyatt Regency

  • A Saturday night dance open to all

  • Thousands of sober gay and lesbian members in attendance


These activities strengthened the message that LGBTQ+ alcoholics are “a part of AA, not apart from it,” reinforcing unity within the wider fellowship.

Alan emphasizes that “progress” cannot be measured by policy changes alone — it is measured in the hearts and attitudes of members who step into service.


A Clear Statement of Purpose

The IAC reaffirms its mission:

  • To carry the AA message to gay and lesbian members

  • To serve as a representative body, while not claiming to speak for all

  • To uphold AA’s Traditions, Concepts, and procedures

  • To encourage unity, not separation, within the broader AA community

The Council stresses that it is not the “official voice” of gay and lesbian AA members but is instead a volunteer service body offering experience, strength, and hope whenever asked — by individuals, groups, or AA structures worldwide.


Strengthening Communication & Service

The Council acknowledges struggles earlier in the term with delayed mail and order fulfillment, but improvements have been made through realignment of responsibilities:

  • Regina Shavers (NY) now manages mail collection and distribution

  • The Treasurer handles deposits & thank-you letters

  • Rich Ward (DC) processes loner inquiries and directory orders

  • Chair (PA) responds to Traditions/Concepts questions

More than 450 pieces of correspondence had been addressed internationally, alongside hundreds of directories and pamphlets sent out. Planning for the next AA International Convention had already begun.


Expanding Group-Level Participation

A major goal emphasized is strengthening ties with gay and lesbian AA groups. The IAC hopes:

  • Every group will select an IAC representative (often the GSR)

  • Representatives will communicate with their regional delegates

  • Local concerns, needs, and group experiences will flow upward

  • The newsletter and annual calendar become better tools of unity

The Council recognizes the newsletter as their “main pulse” to the fellowship and acknowledges it needs improvement to better serve members.


Projects Launched at the 1986 Toronto Meeting

Two major archival and literature initiatives were approved:


1. Collecting the Histories of Gay/Lesbian AA Groups

A questionnaire (printed on the back page of the newsletter) invites groups to submit their origins, milestones, and experiences. The goal is to compile and publish these histories within a year — potentially contributing to future official AA history materials.


2. Developing a Gay/Lesbian AA Pamphlet

A previous attempt to publish such a pamphlet with GSO approval stalled. Now, the IAC aims to produce a new, fully anonymous pamphlet, built from fresh member stories.

Requested story format:

  • 500–750 words

  • “What it was like, what happened, what it’s like now”

  • Minimum one year sober

Selected stories (10 final entries) will only be published with written consent.


Upcoming Events & Service Opportunities

The next IAC business meeting was scheduled for the Florida ’87 Roundup, February 13–16, at the Konover Hotel in Miami — with encouragement for members to attend and volunteer.

Also available: the IAC World Directory of Gay/Lesbian AA Groups, with pricing and bulk discounts.


Outreach to Groups & Members

A letter included in the newsletter invites groups to see themselves as part of a global sober network, supporting gay and lesbian AA members worldwide.

The letter highlights IAC services:

  • Distribution of literature

  • A directory of meetings

  • Support for loners

  • A newsletter for unity

  • Assistance to roundups & conferences

  • Ongoing collaboration with the General Service Office in New York

  • Planning efforts for the 1990 Seattle AA International Convention (including workshops, a hospitality suite, and a dance)

The letter emphasizes reliance on contributions to sustain this work.


Order & Contribution Form

The final page contains an order form offering:

  • Gay/Lesbian World Directory

  • “Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic?” pamphlet

  • Group-start information

  • IAC fact sheets

  • A place to donate to the Council

  • Mailing list options


IAC Newsletter – January 1987

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