IAC Newsletter – October 1993

IAC Newsletter – October 1993

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

The October 1993 issue of IACTIVITY offers a powerful message from newly elected Chair Reilly K., updates on the IAC loners program, early LGBTQ+ AA history features, and one of the most complete roundup calendars of the early 1990s.

🌟 Message from the IAC Chair — “Group Unity & Responsibility”

Reilly K. reflects on:

• The IAC’s four years of growth

• The importance of communication across LGBTQ+ AA groups

• Building a strong network of city, state, regional, and international representatives

• The spiritual responsibility behind “I am responsible”

• How LGBTQ+ groups must maintain AA unity by practicing openness and inclusivity

• The danger of isolating as a group or allowing fear to drive decision-making

  
  

Reilly invites all LGBTQ+ AA groups to use the IAC communication chain, share group updates, and treat the newsletter as a true community forum.

💌 IAC Loners Program — Reaching the Isolated LGBTQ+ Alcoholic

Many LGBTQ+ AA members in 1993 felt isolated because of:

• Living in rural areas

• Being the only out gay/lesbian member in a local meeting

• Fear of “telling the whole truth”

• Being incarcerated or living in countries without LGBTQ+ meetings

  
  

The IAC responds to every letter and matches isolated members with sober volunteers willing to write and share experience, strength, and hope. Volunteers can specify preferences (international, incarcerated, women, men, etc.).

This program was one of the most important lifelines for LGBTQ+ AA before the Internet era.

🎧 IAC Tape Library Expands Rapidly

Hilda C. reports on the new tape library, which continues growing with LGBTQ+ AA speaker tapes and Roundup recordings. Members are invited to:

• Request a full tape list

• Donate speaker recordings

• Borrow tapes (especially helpful for loners and incarcerated members)

  
  

🏳️‍🌈 Lambda in History — “The Growth of Gay AA in Brevard County, Florida”

This month’s Lambda in History feature tells the story of Lambda AA in Brevard County, founded in March 1989:

• Started by two sober LGBTQ+ AA members meeting in a private home

• Quickly grew and moved to Circles of Care mental health center

• A second meeting began in southern Brevard County, eventually moving to a UU church

• Meetings grew steadily and provided a safe space for LGBTQ+ members to share honestly

  
  

This is one of the earliest documented histories of LGBTQ+ AA in Central Florida.

💰 Treasurer’s Report — Contributions Through August 1993

Financial highlights:

• Group contributions: $3,818.04

• Roundup contributions: $3,593.30

• Individual contributions: $487.00

• Directory sales: $943.00

• Birthday contributions: $248.00

• Memorials: $25.00

  
  

Total 1993 income through August: $9,114.59.

Expenses included:

• Printing the new LGBTQ+ AA directory

• Newsletter mailings

• Office expenses

• Discounted literature for loners

  
  

A detailed chart of income and expenses is included in the issue.

📚 Upcoming Newsletter Series — The AA Traditions

Beginning January 1994, IACTIVITY will feature a new series explaining each of AA’s Twelve Traditions — starting with Tradition One, “Unity.”

🎉 1993–1994 LGBTQ+ Roundup Calendar

This issue lists dozens of LGBTQ+ AA roundups across:

• U.S. states

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Germany

  
  

Events include:

• Feeling Good (San Diego)

• Portland Roundup

• Live & Let Live London

• Quest 93 (Raleigh)

• Soberfest Las Vegas

• Big Apple Roundup

• Houston Roundup

• Honolulu Aloha Roundup (1994)

• Florida Roundup (Fort Lauderdale)

• Bluegrass Roundup (Kentucky)

• Ohio Roundup

• European Roundup (Duderstadt, Germany)

• Provincetown Roundup

  
  

This is one of the most complete snapshot calendars of LGBTQ+ AA events in the early 90s.

IAC Newsletter – October 1993

👉 Download the full PDF:

1993-10-01 Newsletter.pdf

Download PDF • 6.09MB