top of page
Search

IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 2001 (Issue No. 47)

  • GaL-AA Newsletter Committee
  • Dec 5, 2025
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 2001 (Issue No. 47)

This issue introduces the newly seated 2001–2003 Executive Committee, outlines major communication and organizational initiatives, announces early development of a proposed Gay International AA Conference, provides a financial report, features a substantial historical article on Seattle’s LGBTQ AA beginnings, and lists roundups for 2002.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 2001 (Issue No. 47)

🌈 Executive Committee Report — A New Term Begins

(Front Page)

The newly elected IAC Executive Committee (serving 2001–2003) includes:

  • Chair: Rene’ Z.

  • Deputy Chair: Paul S.

  • Secretary: Jim R.

  • Treasurer: Roberta K.

They share key priorities for the new term:


1. Representative Campaign

IAC is contacting all existing regional, state, and city representatives to:

  • update contact information

  • strengthen communication channels

  • complete the process by end of November 2001


2. Web Page Improvements

The IAC website is evolving into a “virtual office”, hosting:

  • newsletters

  • representative lists

  • roundup information

  • contact channels

  • and potentially soon: a live announcements board

Dick E. is thanked for his work as Web Master.


3. Newsletter Production Update

  • The newsletter is now available on the IAC website, though not yet emailed.

  • Members are reminded to update mailing addresses, as many are outdated.

  • Suggested newsletter donation: $5 per year.


4. Early Steps Toward a Gay International AA Conference

Based on hundreds of survey responses from the 2000 Minneapolis Convention:

  • Enthusiasm for the idea was overwhelming

  • IAC is preparing a proposal to present to Regional Reps and GSO in February 2002

  • Proposed timeline: Conference in 2003

  • Donation limits: individuals/groups may contribute up to $1,000 each

  • A fundraising campaign begins early 2002

The Committee emphasizes: “WHAT AN EXCITING TIME TO BE GAY IN AA!”


💬 Call for Articles — “Let’s Hear From You”

(Front Page)

Members are invited to submit articles about their experience, strength, and hope on the “Road of Happy Destiny. ”Submissions accepted via email or postal mail.


🏳️‍🌈 History in Seattle — The First Gay AA Meetings (1975–2001)

(Page 2)

A detailed historical profile of Seattle’s LGBTQ AA development, beginning in December 1975.


Key Historical Highlights:

  • First meetings held in Capitol Hill United Methodist Church basement.

  • Early groups included:

    • Live and Let Live (Friday nights)

    • Acceptance (Saturday candlelight meeting)

    • Gay Beginners and Spiritual Study (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

  • Meeting spaces were notoriously cold but deeply meaningful.


Formation of “Men Together Only”

  • Started Spring 1979

  • Attracted large attendance and moved between various Capitol Hill locations

  • Discussion formats adapted to the needs of gay men navigating recovery and identity


Relationship with Stonewall Treatment Program (CDP)

  • In early AIDS era, Stonewall/Sea-Drun-Nar played a key role in helping gay and lesbian alcoholics

  • Meetings supported both alcohol recovery and identity struggles


Holiday Traditions

For decades, the group hosted:

  • Christmas and New Year’s potlucks

  • Gift exchanges

  • “Santa Claus” distributing needed cash gifts


Affiliation with CHAC (Capitol Hill Alano Club)

  • Meetings eventually moved into the “big yellow house” (now Lambert House)

  • Attendance 25–40 weekly; major holidays saw much larger groups

  • Group welcomed court-ordered attendees, professionals, and newcomers of all backgrounds


Spin-Off Groups

Seattle’s early gay meetings inspired:

  • Groups in Ballard and Bremerton

  • Hospital-based specialty meetings

  • HIV-positive and HIV-negative meetings (“Positive and Positive,” “Surviving Sobriety”)

The article paints a vivid picture of the resilience and adaptability of Seattle’s LGBTQ AA community.


💵 IAC Treasurer’s Report — Aug 30 to Oct 31, 2001

(Page 3)

Balances:

  • Beginning: $1,976.39

  • Ending: $4,887.19

Income Total: $3,230.00

  • AA Group Donations — $1,565.94

  • AA Roundup Donations — $988.81

  • Individual Donations — $549.25

  • Directory/Button Sales — $24.00

Expenses Total: $319.20

  • Postage/Printing/Telephone/Supplies — $169.20

  • Annual Incorporation Fee — $150.00

Donor acknowledgments are temporarily suspended due to space but all donors receive individual letters.


📅 Roundups 2002 — Seeking Accurate Information

(Page 4)

A comprehensive roundup listing for February through July 2002, including:

February 2002:

  • Aloha Roundup (Honolulu)

March 2002:

  • Myrtle Beach Roundup

  • “Miracles Happen” (Laguna Beach)

  • Troy Marriott Roundup (MI)

April 2002:

  • Living Miracles (Berkeley)

  • San Jose Roundup

  • Scottsdale Roundup

May 2002:

  • Orange County Roundup

  • Sober in the Sun (Palm Springs)

July 2002:

  • Western Roundup Living Sober (San Francisco)

Roundup chairs are urged to submit updated information early and assign an IAC liaison.


IAC Newsletter Summary — Fall 2001 (Issue No. 47)

👉 Download the full PDF:


bottom of page