IAC Newsletter – October 1989
- Steve N.
- Nov 16
- 3 min read
IAC Newsletter – October 1989 (Issue No. 14).
(International Advisory Council for Homosexual Men & Women in AA)

The October 1989 issue of IACTIVITY is a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ AA history. It announces the publication of AA’s first official pamphlet addressing gay and lesbian alcoholics, shares instructions for registering for the 1990 International AA Convention in Seattle, and provides complete details for IAC’s major convention events — the hospitality suite, LGBTQ+ meetings, and the Seattle dance.
This issue also includes full registration instructions, volunteer needs, travel planning details, and the complete IAC Board roster for 1989.
🌈 Historic Milestone: First AA Conference-Approved Pamphlet for Gay & Lesbian Alcoholics
The newsletter announces the release of:
“A.A. and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic” — Pamphlet P-32
Fully approved by the AA General Service Conference
Cost: 25¢ each
Available through AA World Services
Bulk order instructions included
This pamphlet represented a major breakthrough for LGBTQ+ visibility within AA.
🎉 Seattle 1990 International Convention — LGBTQ+ Events
IAC outlines the full slate of LGBTQ+ AA activities planned for the Convention:
🏢 IAC Hospitality Suite
Cerrus Room – 23rd floor, Sheraton Hotel Staffed daily from 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
A gathering space for LGBTQ+ AA members worldwide
Coffee, fellowship, quiet conversation
Meeting point for members attending workshops and convention events
💃 Gay & Lesbian AA Dance — Seattle Union Station
Friday, July 6, 1990Immediately after the Opening Ceremony at the Kingdome (3 blocks away)
Advance tickets: $7
At the door: $10
Details on advance ticket purchase promised in the next issue
This dance became one of the most memorable LGBTQ+ AA events of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
🏳️🌈 Three LGBTQ-Themed AA Meetings at the Convention
IAC confirms that all three have been approved:
Times and room assignments to be provided closer to the Convention.
📬 Full Registration Instructions Included
This issue includes a complete, two-page registration packet for the Seattle International Convention. Highlights:
Registration forms must be mailed to International Convention, Southside Station, PO Box 1990, Buffalo NY 14220-1990
Registration fee: $55 USD
Receipt + badges mailed back after processing
Housing Bureau will assign hotel rooms separately
Do not mail hotel deposit with registration form
Free Convention shuttle between hotels, dorms, campsites, and meeting venues
The instructions emphasize the urgency of acting early because hotel rooms will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
🔧 Volunteer Opportunities
IAC requests volunteers to help with:
Hospitality suite staffing
Dance ticket sales
Meeting room support
Convention logistics
Mail handling & newsletter reproduction
Volunteers could contact IAC leadership directly via the phone numbers listed.
👥 1989 IAC Board & Service Roster
This newsletter includes the full list of 1989 trusted servants:
Chair: Rey A. (Washington, DC)
Deputy Chair: Mike Z. (Honolulu, HI)
Secretary: Fred J. (Baraboo, WI)
Treasurer: Reilly K. (Lompoc, CA)
Newsletter Editor: Charles D. (Alexandria, VA)
Directory & Mailing List: Richard W. (Washington, DC)
Roundup Liaison: Rick Y. (Newark, NJ)
Special Projects: Dewey C. (McLean, VA)
Third World & People of Color Outreach: Mark H. (Los Angeles)
Advisors: Ed B. (FTL) & Richard R. (DC)
Recovery Network: Early AA computer bulletin board (38 nodes!)
This list is historically valuable — many of these individuals helped shape LGBTQ+ AA as it exists today.
IAC Newsletter – October 1989
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