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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)


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – October 1989

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:

  • Meeting #1: Gay & Lesbian Alcoholics in AA – History & Experience

  • Meeting #2: Unity & Service Among Gay/Lesbian Groups

  • Meeting #3: Carrying the Message as LGBTQ+ Members


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

👉 Download the full PDF:


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