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IAC Newsletter – Winter 1996

  • Steve N.
  • Nov 15
  • 2 min read

IAC Newsletter – Winter 1996

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


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter – Winter 1996

The Winter 1996 edition of IACTIVITY, the newsletter of the International Advisory Council (IAC), is a historic and content-rich issue that captures the energy of the 1995 International Convention in San Diego, major leadership transitions, AA service reflections, LGBTQ+ roundup listings from across the U.S. and Canada, and personal stories of growth in sobriety.


The issue opens with a message from David B., newly elected IAC Chair, reaffirming that IAC is “alive and well and living everywhere.” David describes:


  • The challenges of coordinating an all-volunteer international organization

  • The transition from outgoing Chair Reilly K. (who continues to serve on the Board for two years)

  • The global reach of IAC’s regional representatives and members

  • Plans to return to quarterly publication of IACTIVITY


🌈 IAC at the 1995 International AA Convention – San Diego


A full recap highlights the extraordinary success of IAC’s events at the Convention:


  • Hospitality Suite at the Marriott, with an estimated 7,000–10,000 visitors

  • Staffed by 300+ volunteers

  • Displayed the most comprehensive collection of LGBTQ+-related AA archive materials at that time

  • Served as a hub for fellowship, information, and connection


IAC also supported:


  • Three LGBTQ-focused workshops featuring speakers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe

  • A wildly successful Gay & Lesbian Sober Dance, attended by over 1,800 people

A special thanks is given to Johnna H. and the San Diego LGBTQ+ AA community for exceptional service and support.


🏳️‍🌈 New IAC Officers Elected

During the San Diego Convention, the following trusted servants were elected:

  • Chair: David B. (Florida)

  • Deputy Chair: Hilda C. (Michigan)

  • Secretary: John E. (British Columbia)

  • Treasurer: Ken J. (Arizona)

  • Newsletter Editor: Gary W. (Oregon)


The newsletter includes full contact details for officers and representatives across multiple regions and countries.


📚 Featured Articles & Reflections


“Applying Tradition 7 to My Life” — by Reilly K.


A deeply personal reflection on self-support, financial responsibility, and spiritual growth in AA.


“How Can I Help?” — by Loraine A.


A powerful essay on how service dissolves isolation, builds connection, and transforms one’s relationship with a Higher Power.


📅 Extensive 1996 LGBTQ+ Roundup Calendar


This issue includes a detailed, month-by-month listing of LGBTQ+ AA roundups across the U.S., Canada, and Europe—including:


  • Florida Roundup

  • Miracles Happen

  • Big D Roundup

  • AALA

  • Living Sober

  • Capital Roundup

  • Hotlanta

  • Provincial & regional roundups

  • International events including London & Germany


This is one of the earliest surviving LGBTQ+ AA roundup calendars in IAC history.


🏳️‍🌈 Resources & New Items


  • Announcement of the new IAC Lapel Button (rainbow background with IAC triangle)

  • Release of the 1995–1996 International Directory of AA Meetings for Gay & Lesbian Members

  • IACtion coupon for directory orders, contributions, and mailing updates


IAC Newsletter – Winter 1996

👉 Download the full PDF:


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