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IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1998 (Issue No. 39)

  • GaL-AA Newsletter Committee
  • Dec 4, 2025
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1998 (Issue No. 39)

This Winter issue focuses strongly on spiritual growth through Step 11, announces a temporary reduction in newsletter pages due to financial strain, highlights the launch of the IAC website, provides insight into meditation practice, and includes donor listings, roundup information, and a moving reflection on surrender in early sobriety.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1998 (Issue No. 39)

📘 Feature Article — “Looking at Step 11: …and the power to carry that out”

By Loraine A. (pp. 1–2)A gentle, introspective exploration of Step 11 and its impact on recovery.

Key insights include:

  • Step 11 has been Loraine’s favorite since early sobriety because it brings comfort, balance, and a sense of connection with a Higher Power.

  • Her early meditation practice began with “acting as if,” sitting for only a few minutes, which gradually expanded into deeper practice.

  • Step 11 helped her move away from self-centered thinking and into a more grounded, spiritually connected way of life.

  • She emphasizes that Step 11 is intertwined with Step 3 — surrendering self-will and learning to listen rather than direct.

  • Meditation becomes:

    • a way to calm the mind

    • a process of emptying and listening

    • a means of gaining clarity and humility

  • She ends with a powerful reminder from The Promises: “We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us… God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”

A warm, relatable piece for anyone deepening their spiritual practice.


⚠️ IAC Needs Your Help — Reduced Newsletter Size

(Front page)For the first time, the newsletter is reduced to four pages instead of the usual eight. Reasons:

  • The IAC treasury is low.

  • Treasurer Norman T. reports a balance of $2,937 as of January 8.

  • Costs outlined in the issue:

    • ~$3,300 to print/mail an 8-page newsletter

    • ~$5,000 to print a new worldwide meeting directory

    • ~$1,000 to hold an IAC meeting during a roundup

The Council expresses gratitude for past support and a sincere appeal for contributions.


🌐 IAC Website Launches!

A major development in IAC history: the organization’s early website is now live. Viewable at: www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/8450 (as listed on p. 1)

Features of the initial site include:

  • IAC history and purpose

  • Guidance on starting a gay/lesbian AA group

  • Links to AA’s main homepage

  • Upcoming updates planned

The newsletter invites members to send suggestions to help expand the site.


🧘‍♂️ Deeper Insights into Step 11 Meditation

(Page 2)Loraine expands on meditation practice:

  • Meditation can happen anywhere — sitting, blow-drying hair, walking a dog, waiting in lines.

  • Her process involves:

    • calming the mind

    • emptying thoughts

    • listening for guidance

  • Prayer is “talking to God;” meditation is “listening to God.”

  • Clarity often appears without effort — simply by being present.

  • At times, meditation helps her face difficult emotions, improve communication skills, and stay centered in recovery.

A practical, compassionate guide for newcomers and experienced members alike.


💵 Treasurer’s Report & Donor List

(Page 3)Highlights include:

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

  • Ending balance (Jan 8, 1998): $2,927.16

  • Income sources included group donations, roundup contributions, individual donations, birthday gifts, directory and tape sales.

  • Expenses included printing, mailing, officer travel, incorporation fees, taxes, and currency adjustments.

The donor list spans dozens of LGBTQ AA groups, roundups, and individuals from across the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Hawaii.


📅 Roundup Information

(Page 4, left side)This issue provides listings and contact details for roundups from February through June 1998, including:

  • Southeastern Mass Roundup

  • Aloha Roundup (Honolulu)

  • Florida Roundup (Ft. Lauderdale)

  • Detroit Together We Can Roundup

  • Celebrate Sobriety (Vancouver)

  • Boston Roundup

  • Long Island Roundup

Each entry includes dates, fees, contact persons, and hotel information when available.


💛 Reflection — “The Power of Surrender”

By Kevin B., Ottawa, ON (p. 4)A heartfelt meditation on surrender during early sobriety.

Key themes:

  • Kevin prayed mechanically for months — without deep emotion — until a difficult night when cravings and shame overwhelmed him.

  • For the first time, he prayed from the heart, crying and asking for help and forgiveness.

  • He describes feeling lifted, relieved, and finally able to sleep.

  • That night helped him realize:

    • he was an alcoholic

    • alcoholism has the power to destroy him

    • surrender creates space for healing

  • He writes that beginning each day as “a child of a loving Creator” keeps recovery on track.

  • His closing message: “All we have to do is make room for love in our hearts… so that we may never have to feel alone again.”

A beautiful companion piece to the Step 11 theme of the issue.


IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1998 (Issue No. 39)

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