top of page
Search

IAC Newsletter Summary — January 2003 (Issue No. 49)

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

IAC Newsletter Summary — January 2003 (Issue No. 49)

This issue focuses on rebuilding the IAC representative network, preparing for the 2005 AA World Conference in Toronto, launching an Archives Committee, continuing to build the prudent reserve, and sharing a detailed historical account of the first gay/lesbian AA meeting in Toronto. A full Treasurer’s Report and extensive 2003 roundup listings are also included.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — January 2003 (Issue No. 49)

🌈 Greetings from the Executive Committee — Strengthening the Foundation for 2005 & Beyond

(Page 1)

The Executive Committee reports significant progress since the previous issue:

1. Rebuilding the Regional Representative Network

  • Added new regions: North Central and Southeast.

  • Multiple new state and city positions filled (full list on website).

  • Members are encouraged to volunteer for open roles by contacting Deputy Chair Paul S.


2. Preparing for the 2005 World Conference in Toronto

  • Toronto representative Gordon Mc. is already arranging hospitality suite and dance venues.

  • IAC will rely heavily on regional and state reps for volunteer support.

  • This planning work is also groundwork for the proposed Gay & Lesbian International AA Conference to follow the 2005 event.


3. Formation of an Archives Committee

  • A motion was introduced to formally create an Archives Committee to collect historical materials from LGBTQ AA groups and regions.

  • Vote will occur at the upcoming Executive Committee meeting in Austin, January 31 – February 2.

  • Members are encouraged to submit group histories, documents, and artifacts.


4. Prudent Reserve Still Building

The prudent reserve is growing and projected to reach its target with continued community support.


5. Call for Volunteers

IAC urges members to contact their nearest representative or an Executive Committee member if they want to participate. IAC will meet at the Austin Roundup to finalize archives planning and Toronto preparations.


🏳️‍🌈 The History of the First Gay/Lesbian AA Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

By Jack M.(Page 2–3)

A rich historical feature documenting one of North America’s earliest LGBTQ AA meetings.


Founding (December 21, 1973)

Started by David C., Ron P., Kevin B., and Jack M., this was one of the first continuing gay AA meetings in North America.


Early Challenges:

  • Many gay newcomers drifted away due to discomfort with straight AA meetings.

  • Intergroup refused to list the meeting, labeling it an “outside issue.”

  • The group adopted the name Alcoholics Together.

  • Eventually they received support from Alcoholics Together in California, who encouraged and shared experience, strength, and hope.


Meeting Location History:

  • Holy Trinity Church in downtown Toronto (early home, with a gay-friendly pastor).

  • Moved several times due to space issues and attitudes in the AA community.

  • Eventually settled into a stable pattern of meetings.


Breakthrough Moment:

A young man once said in a meeting:

“Now I’m in a room where everybody is gay and sober, and for the first time, I realize I’m alcoholic because I’m alcoholic and not because I’m gay.”He later celebrated 28 years of sobriety.

Recognition & Growth:

  • Additional meetings formed, including the Responsibility Group.

  • Intergroup eventually listed the meetings as gay/lesbian friendly (per 3rd Tradition guidance).

  • Today: seven gay/lesbian AA meetings in Toronto—one for each day of the week.


Roundup Origins:

  • November 24, 1979 — first Gratitude Dinner organized by Gus B.

  • Evolved into the Weekend AA Gratitude Roundup, held every Canadian Thanksgiving weekend since 1982.


Important Note:

A reminder at bottom of page:

“If you are thinking about visiting Toronto (especially for the 2005 World Conference), remember you now need a passport to cross the border.”

💵 IAC Treasurer’s Report — Oct 31, 2001 to May 31, 2002


(Page 3)


Balances:

  • Beginning Balance: $6,279.92

  • Ending Balance: $5,544.63

Designated Funds:

  • Prudent Reserve: $5,841.55

  • Operating Balance: $3,713.08

  • World Conference Reserve: $50.00

Income (Total: $4,504.81):

  • AA Group Donations — $3,470.17

  • Roundup Donations — $110.83

  • Individual Donations — $707.81

  • Directory/Button Sales — $175.00

  • Tape Sales — $41.00

Expenses (Total: $3,549.90):

  • Yes! The Mail Room — $1,267.38

  • Quickbase site — $180.00

  • Delaware Secretary of State — $86.85

  • Crystal Plaza Mailboxes — $150.00

  • Urban Press — $1,118.73

  • Teleconference Call — $298.61

  • Supplies — $61.83

  • Bank Fees — $11.50


Note: Donor listings are temporarily suspended due to space limitations, but all donors receive thank-you letters.


📅 Roundups 2003 — January through August


(Page 4)


A substantial list of LGBTQ AA roundups:

January–February:

  • Austin, TX — One Day At A Time

  • Southeastern Roundup “Expect Miracles,” MA

  • Honolulu Aloha Roundup

March:

  • Long Beach Roundup

  • Myrtle Beach Spring Quest

  • Troy Marriott Roundup (MI)

  • Together We Can — Detroit

April:

  • Long Beach Our Saviors

  • Celebrate Sobriety — Vancouver, BC

May:

  • Sober in the Sun — Palm Springs

  • Big D Roundup — Dallas

June–July:

  • Rocky Mountain Roundup (Denver)

  • Long Island Roundup (NY)

August:

  • Toledo, OH — “There Is A Solution” Roundup


Listings include registration fees, contact info, hotels, websites, and early-bird deadlines.

Roundup Chairs are reminded: IAC will provide buttons, directories, and membership packets for any event that assigns an IAC liaison.



IAC Newsletter Summary — January 2003 (Issue No. 49)

👉 Download the full PDF:


bottom of page