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IAC Newsletter – Winter 1995

  • Steve N.
  • Nov 15
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter – Winter 1995

(International Advisory Council for Homosexual Men & Women in AA)


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – Winter 1995

The Winter 1995 issue of IACTIVITY is a foundational document in IAC history, combining Tradition Five reflections, International Convention planning, correspondence from the fellowship, IAC service announcements, directory updates, and early LGBTQ+ AA organizational structure.


The issue opens with a powerful article on Tradition Five — “Each group has but one primary purpose: to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.”This thoughtful piece explores:


  • How special composition groups (including LGBTQ+ AA groups) fit within AA’s Traditions

  • The importance of focusing on sobriety first, not outside issues

  • How newcomers interpret a meeting’s message

  • The role IAC plays in helping new LGBTQ+ AA groups navigate responsibilities, formats, and AA unity

  • Questions for members to consider regarding their own groups’ primary purpose

The core message reinforces that identification, clarity of purpose, sponsorship, and effective meeting leadership preserve the spiritual integrity of LGBTQ+ AA groups.


🌎 Election Announcement – 1995 International Convention (San Diego)


IAC invites members to submit AA résumés for open Board positions:

  • Deputy Chair

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer(Chair position rotates automatically from Deputy Chair and is not open for nomination)


Elections would occur at the IAC Council Meeting held during the 1995 International AA Convention in San Diego.


Applications were due May 1, 1995.


✉️ “We Get Letters” — Worldwide Fellowship Correspondence


Members write from across North America expressing gratitude for:

  • The IAC Hospitality Suite at the 1990 Seattle Convention

  • LGBTQ+ meeting directories

  • Plans to volunteer in San Diego

  • Requests for group listings and donations


Highlights include letters from:

  • Long Beach, CA

  • Florida

  • Dallas

  • Boston


These letters show the excitement and anticipation for San Diego 1995.


🎨 Vote for the New IAC Lapel Pin


Two designs were proposed:

  1. Yellow & Black IAC Triangle (classic design)

  2. Rainbow IAC Triangle (proposed new design)


Ballots were included in the issue and mailed back to Washington, DC. This is one of the earliest documented cases of LGBTQ+ AA logo discussion.


🏳️‍🌈 North Garden State (NJ) Intergroup Founded


A new LGBTQ+-inclusive intergroup formed in Wallington, New Jersey, officially listed with the AA General Service Office. Its mission:

  • Respond to 12-Step calls

  • Serve LGBTQ+ members in North Jersey

  • Provide meeting information and volunteer opportunities


📚 IAC’s Directory, Structure & Purpose (Full Charter Explanation)


A major article reprints the IAC Charter, explaining:

What IAC Is:

  • A communication link

  • A support resource for LGBTQ+ AA groups

  • A publisher of the international meeting directory

  • A contact for loners, incarcerated alcoholics, and LGBTQ+ military members

  • A newsletter publisher

  • A Roundup liaison

  • A volunteer-run service board


What IAC Is Not:

  • Not a policy-setting body

  • Not separate from AA

  • Not in opposition to local intergroups or GSO

  • Not a special interest “breakaway” fellowship


This article is one of the earliest and clearest explanations of IAC’s mission and relationship to AA.


🎉 San Diego 1995 International Convention — LGBTQ+ Events


A full itinerary is provided for LGBTQ+ AA attendees:

Hospitality Suite (Embassy Suites Hotel)

Open from Thursday noon through Sunday morning.

Three LGBTQ+ Workshops

  • Historical Perspectives

  • Service at All Levels

  • Focus on Primary Purpose


IAC Council Meeting

Friday at 4 PM in the Hospitality Suite.


Giant Gay & Lesbian Sober Dance

Saturday, July 1Town & Country Hotel Donation: $7 advance / $10 at the door


167 volunteers needed

For hospitality, workshops, the dance, and cleanup.


🗂 Financial Contributions & Group Listings

Dozens of LGBTQ+ AA groups and roundups contributed financially to IAC, including:

  • Vancouver

  • Oakland

  • Minneapolis

  • Boston

  • San Diego

  • Toronto

  • Denver

  • Washington, DC

  • New York City

  • Phoenix

  • San Antonio

  • Chicago

…among many others.


This section is one of the most detailed financial and group-support lists from the mid-1990s.


IAC Newsletter – Winter 1995

👉 Download the full PDF:


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