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IAC Newsletter – June 1985

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

IAC Newsletter – June 1985 (Newsletter No. 6) 

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – June 1985

The June 1985 issue of IACTIVITY is one of the oldest known newsletters from the International Advisory Council. This edition is a snapshot of LGBTQ+ AA life during the mid-1980s, featuring preparations for the 50th Anniversary International AA Convention in Montreal, a powerful article on the importance of AA Traditions, a full Roundup calendar, and stories from emerging gay AA groups in the U.S. and Canada.



🎉 LGBTQ+ AA at the 50th Anniversary International Convention – Montreal 1985


This newsletter announces major LGBTQ+ AA participation at the Montreal Convention:

🏳️‍🌈 Two Gay Workshops + One Gay AA Meeting


Included as part of the regular AA program.


🏢 Gay Hospitality Center


Located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel — a central gathering spot for LGBTQ+ AA members attending the International Convention.


💃 Gay & Lesbian Dance – July 6, 1985


Held on Saturday night10:30 PM At Collège du Dieux (Montréal)

The IAC partnered with local Montreal gay AA groups to coordinate both the Hospitality Center and the dance.


This was one of the earliest documented LGBTQ+ AA presences at an International Convention.


📖 Featured Article — “Be True to the Twelve Traditions”


Chairperson Patrick J. writes an important Traditions article addressing:

  • Problems that arise when AA groups, clubs, or Roundups drift from the Twelve Traditions

  • Conflicts caused by money, property, and prestige

  • Why AA must always separate AA group business from club or landlord business

  • A case study of a large gay AA meeting house that created confusion by mixing AA and non-AA financial decisions

  • How the problem was solved by:

    • Forming one unified AA group

    • Creating a separate non-AA landlord club

    • Ensuring the AA group paid rent and did not control property


Patrick emphasizes:

“If it’s AA, the Twelve Traditions apply.”

This article remains relevant today, especially for LGBTQ+ AA clubs and Roundups.


🏳️‍🌈 IAC Business & Elections at Montreal


IAC announced:

  • A July 4 business meeting from 9 AM to Noon in Montreal

  • Election of:

    • A new Deputy Chair (1-year term)

    • A new Secretary (2-year term)

  • The Chair (Patrick J.) would rotate to Past Chair

  • The Deputy Chair (Alan H.) would rotate into Chair

  • Treasurer Bob D. (Toronto) would continue his term


The prior meeting in Houston featured AA Trustee-at-Large David A., who held discussions about sponsorship across sexual orientations — noting that most gay AA members present also sponsored straight alcoholics.


🎉 LGBTQ+ AA Roundup Calendar – Summer/Fall 1985


This issue includes one of the earliest multi-city LGBTQ+ Roundup listings, including:

June 1985

  • 10th Anniversary Palm Springs Roundup

  • Seattle Northwest Regional Conference

August 1985

  • Capital Roundup (Washington, DC)

  • 10th Anniversary San Francisco Living Sober / Western Roundup

  • San Antonio–Austin Roundup

  • The Maine Connection Roundup (First Annual)

September 1985

  • San Diego “Feeling Good” Roundup

October 1985

  • Freedom Roundup (Philadelphia)

  • Toronto Gratitude Roundup

November/December 1985

  • Big Apple Roundup (New York City)

  • Houston Roundup


This calendar documents early growth of LGBTQ+ AA events long before the Internet.


💌 A Determined New Group — Early LGBTQ+ AA in Rural Canada


A touching letter appears from Rob and Don in a small Canadian town:

“We are still only two, but we are strong in our commitment to have a group one day. We meet every week, even if it’s just the two of us. We benefit greatly. Even though we want new blood, this is OK too. Much love. God bless.”

This is one of the earliest surviving stories of LGBTQ+ AA persistence in a rural area.


IAC Newsletter – June 1985

👉 Download the full PDF:


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