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IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 1997 (Issue No. 38)

  • Steve N.
  • 4 hours ago
  • 4 min read

IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 1997 (Issue No. 38)

This issue announces a major long-term vision for IAC, highlights new leadership, explores personal recovery stories, continues the Tradition series, updates the community on service roles, and provides extensive roundup information and contribution listings.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 1997 (Issue No. 38)

🌈 From the Chair — IAC Sets Goal for a 2002 World Conference

By Hilda C., IAC ChairThe newly elected IAC Board met in Toledo, filled with excitement and hope for the future.

Highlights include:

  • IAC’s new long-range goal: to host a Gay & Lesbian International AA Conference in 2002.

  • Hilda reflects on her own service path (Tape Librarian → Secretary → Deputy Chair → Chair) and her 15 years of sobriety.

  • Her guiding message from Past Chair Reilly K.: “Stay in service.”

  • Emphasis on unity and collective effort: IAC cannot achieve its international vision without the participation of members, groups, and volunteers.

  • New tools supporting growth:

    • A forthcoming IAC Website

    • Expansion of the World Directory

    • Addition of international and regional representatives

    • Growing tape library and loner outreach programs

Hilda expresses gratitude to the Fellowship and invites everyone to join in building toward 2002.


💬 Feature Story — “When all else fails: Follow the directions”

By Sally G.A deeply personal article describing recovery after many years of alcoholism.

Key points (pp. 1, 7):

  • Sally drank heavily from 1978–1985 and first walked into AA in 1985.

  • Despite early attempts, she relapsed repeatedly until finding a stable path to recovery.

  • Her turning point came when she finally took suggestions:

    • Admitted herself into a gay & lesbian treatment program

    • Took time away from work

    • Traveled far from home to recover without distraction

    • Completed aftercare and lived in sober housing

  • She realized she had spent years resisting help; recovery began when she simply followed direction.

  • For the first time in her life, the obsession to drink lifted completely.

  • Today she practices honesty, connection, service, discipline, and faith — all things she once resisted.

A powerful message about surrender, humility, and the transformative nature of LGBTQ-affirming recovery spaces.


🗂️ New IAC Officers & Executive Committee (p. 2)

Introductions and short bios for recently elected officers:

  • Chair: Hilda C. (MI)

  • Deputy Chair: Ken L. (OR) — over 14 years of service, speaker, sponsor of 50+ men, former DCM, and organizer of Montana roundups.

  • Secretary: Rod B. (TX) — sober since 1986, came out three days later, long service history in multiple roles, excited to support IAC’s future.

  • Treasurer: Norman T. (CT) — 24 years sober, longtime Roundup Liaison, extensive financial and administrative background.

Also included:

  • Regional representatives

  • Newsletter editor (Gary W.)

  • Tape Librarian (Pat W.)

  • Web Coordinator (Ann L.)

  • Directory Editor (Susan S.)

The page also previews the upcoming launch of the first IAC Website.


📘 What Is IAC? (p. 3)

This section reprints the IAC Charter and explains IAC’s role as an international communication link for LGBTQ AA members.

Highlights:

  • IAC does not make decisions for gay & lesbian AA members — it serves as a resource.

  • Listed in all AA directories under “Special International Contacts.”

  • Exists to support unity, communication, and the Fellowship’s Traditions.


🌍 2002 Is Closer Than You Think!

By Rod B. More detail about the vision for a worldwide LGBTQ AA Conference in 2002.

Key notes:

  • AA’s International Convention bids are prepared six years in advance, meaning planning must begin now.

  • IAC is gathering volunteers, host groups, and information from prior roundups to create a comprehensive bid package.

  • Members are invited to write, call, or volunteer to participate in the planning efforts.

  • Unity and enthusiasm are emphasized — “a celebration of our sobriety with our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.”


🧠 Recovery Story — “For tonight, I choose the sober side of the street”

By Anonymous (p. 4)A raw, honest newcomer share reflecting the early emotional turbulence of sobriety.

Themes include:

  • A drinking history beginning at 14

  • Using alcohol to cope with anger, shyness, depression, and a painful home life

  • Developing panic attacks, relationship problems, and consequences

  • First exposure to LGBTQ AA leading to self-reflection

  • A dramatic “sign” following a night of drinking and unsafe decisions

  • Struggling with doubt and temptation — literally hearing the bar across the street while writing

  • Choosing sobriety “just for tonight,” even without full acceptance of alcoholism

A relatable story for anyone navigating early sobriety.


📅 Roundup Listings (pp. 5, 8)

This issue includes a two-page roundup calendar covering events from October 1997 through March 1998.Some notable entries include:

  • Sober Unity Roundup (Santa Barbara, CA)

  • Gratitude Roundup (Toronto, ON)

  • Minne Sober Roundup (Minneapolis, MN)

  • Monaco AA Convention

  • Philadelphia Freedom Roundup

  • Big Apple Roundup (NYC)

  • Houston Roundup

  • Aloha Roundup (Honolulu)

  • Florida Roundup (Ft. Lauderdale)

  • Courage to Change Roundup (Nashville)

Each listing includes dates, contact persons, hotel details, and whether Al-Anon is included.


📜 Tradition 12 — “Principles Before Personalities”

By Reilly K. (p. 5)A thoughtful reflection on anonymity at the personal, spiritual level.

Key takeaways:

  • Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all AA Traditions.

  • It protects us from ego, resentment, and isolation.

  • Reilly offers powerful hypotheticals:

    • Who would help us if we relapsed?

    • Would old resentments be set aside to save a life?

    • Would we still reach out in love and service?

  • Tradition 12 brings us full circle to the unity of Tradition 1:We are all equal in our vulnerability, and we flourish when we place principles before personalities.


💵 Treasurer’s Report & Donor List (p. 6)

Highlights:

  • Beginning balance (July 31, 1997): $3,415.71

  • Ending balance (Sept. 18, 1997): $4,189.52

  • Income included:

    • Group contributions

    • Roundup donations

    • Individual and birthday donations

  • Expenses included: postage, printing, officer travel, lodging, and incorporation costs.

A full donor list includes dozens of LGBTQ AA groups, individual contributors, and roundups.


🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Volunteers Needed (p. 7)

IAC again calls for participation in:

  • Representing groups

  • Writing articles

  • Helping loners

  • Contributing tapes

  • Maintaining connections at roundups

  • Sharing group histories

This theme continues throughout the issue: IAC grows only through shared service.


IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 1997 (Issue No. 38)

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