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IAC Newsletter – September 1984

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

IAC Newsletter – September 1984 (Newsletter No. 7)

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – September 1984

The September 1984 issue of IACTIVITY is one of the earliest preserved documents of LGBTQ+ AA service. This edition includes the Chair’s landmark open letter, preparation for LGBTQ+ participation at AA’s 50th Anniversary International Convention (Montreal, 1985), early efforts to develop a gay/lesbian AA pamphlet, guidance on AA unity and service, roundup listings, IAC elections, and the first detailed explanation of IAC’s relationship with AA World Services.

This newsletter captures LGBTQ+ AA at a pivotal moment of rapid growth, new visibility, and increasing participation within the broader AA Fellowship.


🌟 Open Letter from the IAC Chairperson — A Defining Vision for LGBTQ+ AA Service


Chairperson Eric F. outlines the IAC’s mission and the year ahead:

✔ Two major projects for 1984–1985:

  1. Coordinating LGBTQ+ participation at the 1985 International AA Convention in Montreal, including:

    • Two gay/lesbian workshop panels

    • One openly gay AA meeting

    • LGBTQ+ hospitality suite

    • Recruiting speakers, moderators, and volunteers

    • An expected 1,500 attendees per workshop

  2. Publishing a new gay/lesbian AA pamphlet

    • Written entirely by gay AA members

    • Includes personal stories

    • Contains a new “20 Questions” tool for newcomers

    • Designed to show that AA does not judge sexual orientation


This pamphlet became the basis for the later push that resulted in AA pamphlet P-32.

✔ Call for Unity


Eric reminds LGBTQ+ AA members:

“Only through A.A. Unity can there be Service — and personal Recovery.”

He emphasizes reaching out to AA members who may not understand gay and lesbian groups, writing powerfully:

“Lack of understanding breeds fear.Homophobia is fear at its core.”

He encourages LGBTQ+ members to extend the hand of AA friendship with love, patience, and service.


🏳️‍🌈 Guidance: How Gay/Lesbian Groups Can Support AA Unity


The newsletter encourages:

  • Inviting nongay speakers to LGBTQ+ meetings

  • Speaking openly as gay members at mainstream AA meetings

  • Volunteering at Intergroups and Central Offices

  • Participating as GSRs and contributing to AA service structure

  • Ensuring contributions go to Intergroup and GSO

  • Asking delegates and trustees to speak at Roundups

  • Including nongay members in LGBTQ+ events

“We do not have to fully accept each other to walk that AA path hand in hand…But we must not judge each other.”

🎉 Roundups — Early LGBTQ+ AA Conference Listings (1984)


This edition includes one of the oldest known LGBTQ+ roundup calendars, including:

  • San Antonio/Austin – Sept 1–3

  • Toronto – Oct 5–7

  • Philadelphia – Oct 5–7

  • Houston – Nov 22–25

  • New York Big Apple – Nov 22–25


These are among the earliest documented LGBTQ+ AA Roundups.


🗳 Election of Officers — New Leadership for 1984–1985


Results from the Walk the Walk Roundup – New Haven, CT:

  • Chairperson: Patrick J. (Los Angeles)

  • Deputy Chair: Alan H. (Philadelphia)

  • Treasurer: Bob D. (Toronto)

  • Secretary: Ed C. (Pittsburgh)

  • Outgoing Chair: Eric F. (Toronto)


The next business meeting was scheduled for the Houston Roundup (Thanksgiving 1984), with a member of the AA Board of Trustees invited.


📘 Planning with GSO for the 1985 Montreal International Convention


IAC leaders met with AA General Service Office representatives:

  • Sarah P. – International Convention Coordinator

  • Lois F. – General Service Conference Coordinator


GSO expected IAC to provide:

  • Workshop titles

  • Speakers and moderators

  • Chair and speakers for the LGBTQ+ AA meeting

  • Suggestions for the LGBTQ+ hospitality suite


This is one of the earliest examples of formal collaboration between GSO and the LGBTQ+ AA community.


🧭 “How IAC Fits in with AA General Service” — Foundational Explanation


This section is historically priceless and explains:

✔ What the IAC is:

  • A special-purpose service association

  • A bridge to welcome gay and lesbian alcoholics into AA

  • A provider of directories, pamphlets, and newcomer resources

  • An entity with a cordial working relationship with GSO

✔ What the IAC is not:

  • Not part of AA World Services

  • Not a governing body

  • Not a substitute for Intergroup or GSO structures

✔ IAC listed as a “Special International Group” in AA directories

Alongside groups such as:

  • Birds of a Feather (pilots)

  • Young People in AA (ICYPAA)

  • International Deaf Group

  • Doctors in AA

  • Lawyers in AA

  • World Hello (international correspondence group)


This is one of the first official recognitions of IAC within AA World Services publications.


🗂 Publications & Order Form (1984)


The newsletter includes an order form for:

  • Pamphlet: “Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic?” — 15¢ per copy

  • World Directory of Gay/Lesbian AA Groups — $2.50

  • How to Start a Gay/Lesbian AA Group — free

  • IAC Newsletter/Calendar — free

  • Information about IAC & membership — free

  • Donations welcome to cover rising printing & mailing costs


This is one of the earliest surviving examples of IAC literature distribution.


IAC Newsletter – September 1984

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