top of page
Search

IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1997 (Issue No. 37)

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

IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1997 (Issue No. 37)

This issue highlights a major transition in IAC leadership, reflections from outgoing Chair David B., moving personal and service stories, extensive roundup listings for 1997, contributions acknowledgments, and continued discussions about online AA resources for LGBTQ+ members.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1997 (Issue No. 37)

🌈 Leadership News — New IAC Board Elected

A new IAC Board of Directors begins service on August 1, 1997, following an enthusiastic response to the call for nominations. The newly elected Board includes:

  • Chair: Hilda C. (Saginaw, Michigan)

  • Deputy Chair: Ken L. (Marysville, Washington)

  • Secretary: Rod B. (San Antonio, Texas)

  • Treasurer: Norman T. (Cheshire, Connecticut)

The newsletter extends heartfelt congratulations and thanks all applicants for their willingness to serve.


💬 A Note from the Chair — David B.’s Farewell Message

David B. offers a warm and reflective goodbye as his term as IAC Chair comes to an end.

Key themes include:

  • His beginnings in service: starting as Southeast Regional Representative, then Treasurer, Deputy Chair, and finally Chair.

  • What each past Chair focused on:

    • Rey A. — building a historical archive of LGBTQ AA meetings.

    • Mike Z. — strengthening communication among members and groups.

    • Reilly K. — safeguarding the AA Traditions within IAC activity.

  • Gratitude for collaboration: particularly with the IACtivity editors to improve newsletter content.

  • A glimpse of his personal life:

    • Recent relocation from Florida to New Jersey.

    • Adjusting to "life up north" — including 27 inches of snow days after moving.

    • Settling in with a new home, new job, new meetings, and even a new dog.

David expresses deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve IAC and confidence in the future leadership.


💻 Rainbow Recovery — An Online LGBTQ AA Meeting

This issue introduces Rainbow Recovery, an early internet-based gay & lesbian AA group with members worldwide.

Details shared (p. 2):

  • Began in October 1996 and already has ~100 members globally.

  • Format mirrors a traditional AA meeting: Serenity Prayer, topic qualification, reading Steps/Traditions.

  • Birthday announcements and topic discussions occur via email lists.

  • Particularly valuable for members in rural areas or places without LGBTQ AA meetings.

  • Interested individuals can join by emailing ben@QueerNet.ORG.


🧭 Step Work Feature — Step 2 and “We Agnostics”

By Tim C. (Minneapolis)This thoughtful article discusses approaching Step 2 as an agnostic or atheist.

Core insights:

  • The Big Book's language was initially difficult for Tim, but he found room for interpretation.

  • He learned to:

    • Replace “God” with metaphors like Life, the Universe, or group wisdom.

    • Participate silently at first, then eventually say prayers in a personal, meaningful way.

    • Recognize powers greater than himself, such as time, the laws of the universe, and human connection.

  • Encouragement to newcomers: “Stick around. Things can only get better. You get to believe what you truly believe.”

This is a relatable reflection for anyone who struggled with spirituality in early recovery.


📰 Community Update — Thank You to Outgoing Secretary John E.

John E. (Vancouver, BC) steps down after serving as IAC Secretary for two years.His contributions included:

  • Managing group correspondence

  • Mailing directories

  • Handling contributions

  • Supporting committee organization

The newsletter thanks him for pushing IAC to “progress, not perfection.”


📅 Roundup Information (Pages 4–5)

A substantial list of LGBTQ AA roundups is provided for May through October 1997, including:

  • Bluegrass Roundup (KY)

  • Syracuse New Visions (NY)

  • Living Sober Western Roundup (San Francisco)

  • Rendez-vous Montréal

  • Courage Roundups across Canada

  • Big Easy Does It Roundup (New Orleans)

  • Connecticut Walk the Walk Roundup

  • Land of Enchantment Roundup (Albuquerque)

  • Capital Roundup (Washington, DC)

  • San Diego Feeling Good Roundup

  • European Roundup (Duderstadt, Germany)

Each listing includes dates, contacts, hotel information, pricing, and whether Al-Anon is included.


📘 Tradition 11 — Attraction vs. Promotion

By Reilly K. This edition’s Tradition article focuses on how personal conduct reflects AA’s public relations principle.

Noteworthy points:

  • Our behavior in public often serves as an “unofficial” representation of AA.

  • Reilly tells a cautionary story: while new in sobriety, their group behaved poorly at a restaurant — leaving a mess and damaging AA’s reputation.

  • Applies Tradition 11 to everyday behavior:

    • Respecting meeting spaces

    • Leaving facilities clean

    • Being considerate of neighbors and staff

  • Key reminder: AA must remain a safe and attractive spiritual refuge, not a disruptive presence.


💵 Contributions & Gratitude (Page 6)

This issue includes a full list of group, roundup, and individual contributions, plus birthday gifts.

Highlights:

  • Dozens of LGBTQ AA groups from across the U.S., Canada, and Hawaii contributed.

  • Notable roundup support from:

    • Long Island Roundup

    • Florida Roundup

    • Houston Roundup

    • International Women’s Conference

  • Individual contributions include both general donations and birthday gifts ranging from $5 to $200.


IAC extends deep thanks for all Seventh Tradition support, which funds newsletters, supplies, travel to Council meetings, and operations.


🌈 Lambda in History — Miami All Together Group (Founded 1977)

A historical profile of one of the oldest LGBTQ AA groups (p. 7).Important details:

  • Began despite resistance from AA “elders” and local religious communities.

  • First meeting held in Don T.’s apartment.

  • Rapid growth led to the establishment of Lambda Dade, Inc. in Miami.

  • Instrumental in early Florida Roundup efforts.

  • Continues to serve the community seven days a week.


💬 Volunteers Needed! How to Get Involved with IAC

Members can:

  • Serve as a group IAC representative

  • Write articles or group histories

  • Attend Council meetings at roundups

  • Call or write loners

  • Submit speaker tapes to the library

  • Make a birthday contribution

This section reflects IAC’s ongoing commitment to shared service.


📼 Meetings on Tape — Resource for Loners

The tape library (now 122 titles) continues to be available for people unable to attend meetings physically. Requests are sent to the IAC PO Box with “Tape Request” on the envelope.


📞 Regional Representative Contact List

A full listing of IAC Regional Representatives across the U.S., Canada, and Pacific region appears on page 8.


IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1997 (Issue No. 37)

👉 Download the full PDF:


bottom of page