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IAC Newsletter – June 1991

  • Steve N.
  • Nov 15
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter – June 1991 (Issue No. 18).

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – June 1991

The June 1991 issue of IACTIVITY captures a vibrant era in early LGBTQ+ AA history — filled with elections, outreach, financial transparency, global correspondence, gratitude, and an extensive roundup calendar. It also includes one of the earliest references to the gay origins of Tradition Three, making this a landmark archival document.





🌟 Miami Roundup: New IAC Officers Elected

During the 1991 Miami Roundup, the IAC Board of Directors met at the Deauville Hotel and elected new trusted servants:

  • Chair: Mike Z. (Honolulu, HI)

  • Deputy Chair: Reilly K. (Lompoc, CA)

  • Treasurer: David B. (Arlington, VA)

  • Secretary: Tom C. (Plano, TX)

  • Newsletter Editor: Erick H. (Honolulu, HI)


The IAC booth was staffed around the clock, selling 250+ directories and distributing nearly all remaining newsletters. Miami also donated 20% of its 7th Tradition to support IAC service work.


🏳️‍🌈 Lesbian Outreach Initiative


The Board reaffirmed a long-standing goal: increasing lesbian visibility and women’s participation in the IAC.


Reilly K., the new Deputy Chair and Directory Editor, follows in the footsteps of pioneering IAC founder Nancy T., who in the 1970s created the earliest lists of gay and lesbian AA meetings.


📜 Historical Insight: How a Gay Alcoholic Sparked Tradition Three


A major historical highlight:

  • In 1937, a gay man (“a sex deviate”) asked Dr. Bob if he could join AA.

  • The Akron group objected, calling him a “pariah.”

  • Dr. Bob resolved the conflict by asking:

    “What would the Master do? Would He turn this man away?”


This moment became the seed for Tradition Three:

“The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.”

AA's doors have been open to LGBTQ+ alcoholics since the beginning.


🎁 IAC 10th Anniversary Issue Coming Soon


A special insert celebrating:

  • 10 years of IAC service

  • Early history (“history and her-story”)

  • Contributions of founders like Nancy T.


Expected release: October 1991


💰 Financial Reports – Transparency & Gratitude


The newsletter includes detailed national and international contribution charts.


1990 Highlights:

  • Seattle Conference raised: $13,539

  • World Directory sales: $2,545

  • Group contributions: $2,078

  • Roundup contributions: $1,083

  • Total income: $19,616

  • Total expenses: $18,596


IAC begins 1991 in stable financial condition thanks to member support.


💌 Group Donations – March & April 1991


Contributions listed came from:

  • Florida (GAIA, Lambda South)

  • New York (Alive Again, Syosset)

  • Wisconsin (Thursday Night Group)

  • Iowa (One Step Beyond)

  • Ontario (Nitty Gritty Group)

  • Alberta (Tell It Like It Is)

  • San Francisco (Sobriety & Leather)

  • Boston (District 13 Alcoholics Together)

  • Oakland (Thursday Nite Lesbian Group)

  • Albuquerque (Light At The End of The Tunnel)

  • Berlin, Germany

…and more.


🌍 International Outreach: A Gay AA Member in Nigeria


A powerful and difficult letter from Dan A. in Lagos, Nigeria describes:

  • Living with 10 years sobriety

  • Severe danger for LGBTQ+ people (arrest or imprisonment)

  • Guilt, confusion, and total isolation

  • Reaching out to IAC as his only safe contact


This letter underscores the global spiritual purpose of the IAC.


📚 Literature Clarification: IAC IS an AA Entity


Some groups mistakenly reject IAC literature as “not AA.”

However — the 1986 GSO Advisory Board Directive states:

“Groups should offer literature published by GSO, the Grapevine, and other AA entities.”

IAC is listed in official GSO directories and fully qualifies.


📖 World Directory Updates Needed Now


The 1991–1992 edition of the Global LGBTQ+ Meeting Directory was about to go to press.

Groups were urged to submit:

  • Meeting names

  • Full addresses

  • Times & formats

  • Contact numbers

  • Open/closed status


IAC offered one free copy to any group that responded to the notice.


🗺 1991 LGBTQ+ Roundup Calendar


A full multi-page directory of Roundups across:

  • U.S. states

  • Canada

  • The United Kingdom

  • Germany

Major events listed include:

  • San Francisco Living Sober

  • Chicago Roundup

  • Walk The Walk (New Haven)

  • Halifax Courage to Change

  • Capitol Roundup (Washington, DC)

  • Maine Roundup

  • Manitoba Roundup

  • Toledo Ohio Roundup

  • Hot ’n Dry (Palm Springs area)

  • Houston Roundup

  • River City Roundup (Sacramento)

  • Biggest Little Fellowship (Reno)

  • Soberfest (Las Vegas)

  • Hotlanta

  • Provincetown Roundup

  • Edmonton Sober, Strong, & Free


This is one of the most complete LGBTQ+ roundup calendars of the early 90s.


IAC Newsletter – June 1991

👉 Download the full PDF:


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