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GaL-AA's Spotlight On Sobriety 06/08/2025
- Steve N.
- Jun 8, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
In this week's publication:
Origins of GaL-AA
How the IAC and GaL-AA Took Root: A Personal Look at the Origins of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in AA
In 1972, Nancy T., a member of the Gay Group in Washington, D.C., newly sober and driven by purpose, unknowingly planted the seeds for what would become the International Advisory Council (IAC), which eventually became GaL-AA. The Washington DC group and one in New Jersey were cooperating in printing and distributing a pamphlet titled The Homosexual Alcoholic–AA’s Message of Hope to Gay Men and Women. Their desire to connect LGBTQ+ alcoholics grew into something much larger.
While on a business trip to the west coast, Nancy contacted local AA intergroups and discovered a growing network of gay and lesbian AA meetings across the U.S. in cities like Dallas, Los Angeles and Denver. She, along with a lesbian Metropolitan Community Church minister in Los Angeles and a gay man who worked for a halfway house for gay alcoholics in San Francisco, began collecting their information and compiling a grassroots directory of LGBTQ+ AA groups nationwide—a project fueled by determination, a sense of responsibility and a compulsive collector’s spirit.
This effort became self-sustaining. Pamphlets sold for a dime, directories for a dollar—just enough to fund more printing and distribution. These simple materials became lifelines for many. Despite lacking AA Conference approval, AA’s General Service Office (GSO) supported these efforts informally, distributing the materials to those who reached out for help and referring them back to Nancy, her cohorts and other members of their respective home groups..
Pamphlet from our archive
In 1974 the AA General Service Conference unanimously passed an advisory action allowing groups that catered to special interest to be published in AA’s World Directories, and at AA’s International Convention in Denver during 1975, there was an officially recognized gay and lesbian Hospitality Suite organized by the Living Sober groups from California. By 1980, after seven years of mostly solo work, Nancy T. was asked to assist with planning gay and lesbian workshops for the International Convention in New Orleans. There, recognizing the need for a more representative and structured group, the groundwork for IAC was laid.
Following the convention, the first informal meeting of what would become IAC was held during the Capital Roundup in Washington, D.C. To everyone’s surprise, over 20 people attended. The movement gained traction. By early 1981, inspired by ICYPAA (the International Conference of Young People in AA), the AA LGBTQ+ structure began forming—complete with bylaws, temporary officers and regional outreach teams.
A pivotal moment came in May 1981 at the Boston Roundup where the group chose its name and drafted a charter. After much debate—reflecting the diverse and growing identities in the LGBTQ+ community—they settled on the name: The International Advisory Council for Homosexual Men and Women in Alcoholics Anonymous. Though "homosexual" was disliked by almost everyone, it was a compromise they all could live with.
Eventually, publishing responsibilities transitioned to Hazelden, which agreed to distribute The Homosexual Alcoholic after hearing 10,000 copies had already circulated. True to their AA principles, Nancy T. refused royalties, instead donating the symbolic $1 payment back to her group, feeling that its members had done most of the writing.
Although she stepped back from a leadership role, Nancy remained active with IAC in an advisory capacity into the early 1990s. The early work of Nancy T. and her associates in Washington D.C, New Jersey, Texas, Los Angeles and San Francisco laid the foundation for GaL-AA's ongoing mission: to support LGBTQ+ people in Alcoholics Anonymous and ensure visibility, connection and service within the fellowship. Their legacy remains a testament to how one person’s service can ripple across decades.
GaL-AA Today: A Thriving Community of Support and Inclusion
Since its inception, GaL-AA has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ groups and individuals in AA. The organization continually adapts to meet the needs of its members, emphasizing inclusivity, representation and transparency. In 2013, reflecting a broader embrace of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, IAC officially adopted the name Gays and Lesbians in Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., doing business as GaL-AA. In 2016, GaL-AA clarified its Statement of Inclusion to affirm its commitment to serving all LGBTQ+ members of AA, regardless of how they identify themselves.
Looking Ahead: GaL-AA at the 2025 AA International Convention
GaL-AA is actively preparing for the 2025 AA International Convention in Vancouver, scheduled for July 3–6. The organization is planning a range of events to foster community and support among LGBTQ+ attendees:
Hospitality Suite: A welcoming space for fellowship and connection, Open throughout the Convention, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, The Roof:
Dance Event: A celebration of sobriety and community, Saturday, July 5, 2025, 10:30 PM- 2:00 AM, Convention Center West, Level 1, Ballroom B.
Ms./Mr. Sobriety World Contest: A fun and engaging fundraiser supporting GaL-AA's convention activities. Saturday, July 5, 2025, 11:00 PM, Convention Center Est, Level 1, Ballroom B.
GaL-AA Welcome Meeting: 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Thursday, July 3, 2025, Convention Center East, Meeting Level, Meeting Room 1: Topic, HOPE: Speakers: Fred F. San Jose, CA, Sobriety Date March 19, 1995; Theresa G. Cantley, Quebec, Sobriety Date, January 11, 1988; Greg C. Berlin, Germany, Sobriety Date, July 30, 1984; Wole P. Los Angeles, CA, Sobriety Date, October 1, 2006.
LGBTQ+: Being a Part of A.A. as a Whole: Friday, 9:30 - 11:00 AM, Convention Center West, Level 1, Ballroom A.
LGBTQ+: Focus on Our Primary Purpose: Saturday, July 5, 2025, 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM, Convention Center West, Level 1, Ballroom B.
LGBTQ+: Accessing A.A. as People of Transgender Experience: Saturday, July 5, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30 PM, Convention Center West, Level 1, Ballroom A.
Engage and Support GaL-AA
GaL-AA's mission thrives on community involvement. We encourage members and allies to participate in events, volunteer and contribute to fundraising efforts. Opportunities include attending the upcoming convention events, supporting fundraisers and spreading the word within local AA communities.
For more information on GaL-AA's initiatives and how to get involved, visit our official website: www.gal-aa.org, or email us at support@gal-aa.org
GaL-AA's journey from a grassroots effort to a cornerstone of support within AA exemplifies the power of community and the importance of inclusivity in recovery. As the organization looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to serving LGBTQ+ individuals in their journey toward sobriety.
Authored by James R.
Source document
Interesting historical documents
Dance Tickets for AA International Convention
Buy your dance tickets in advance, save the lines. If you are not going, don't let that stop you from buying a ticket and supporting GaL-AA's activities at the convention. Click Here
GSM+ Wild West 2025 - NYC Pride Weekend
A GLOBAL GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER
JUNE 26 - 30TH, 2025, NEW YORK CITY
Celebrating its fourteen year, GSM+ has become much more than a traditional roundup experience. GSM+ is a vibrant, inclusive celebration for anyone in the LGBTQIA+ recovery community. We're proud to welcome everyone from AA and from sister fellowships.
Imagine curated workshops and meetings tailored just for you, plus highly-produced events that bring fun, fellowship, and top-notch entertainment. Set against the backdrop of Pride Weekend in New York City. This is an experience you'll never forget.
For more information and tickets, please visit
Become a Supporting Member
Help GaL-AA Thrive Year-Round – Become a Supporting Member!
GaL-AA has launched a new Supporting Membership Program to help us remain financially self-supporting—just as AA's 7th Tradition encourages.
We know that many of you benefit from GaL-AA’s work at conventions, online, and in the LGBTQ+ AA community. Now, you can give back in a simple, spiritual, and sustaining way.
Same voting rights and privileges as a member.
Every dollar helps us carry the message to LGBTQ+ alcoholics.
Sign up here: https://www.gal-aa.org/members
Together, we’re keeping the spirit of service alive.
Announcing a Contest for Stories and Pictures!
Win a GaL-AA T-Shirt
We have had recognized LGBTQ2S+ participation at AA International Conventions since 1975. As part of AA’s 90th birthday, GaL-AA wants to celebrate our contribution to the Fellowship by publishing a CONVENTION EDITION of our news articles on our website, GaL-AA.org, and our social media outlets to highlight all of GaL-AA’s activities.
We would like to give our members the opportunity to share their experiences at former International Conventions by submitting short stories (200 words or so) or photographs of previous International Conventions and roundups. We would especially like to have photographs of pioneering members of our Fellowship such as Marty M., Barry L, Nancy T. and other early members of IAC/GaL-AA. PLEASE do NOT send original photographs or videos!
If we select your submission for publication, you will receive a FREE GaL-AA T-shirt, using either the special Vancouver logo or our classic logo. Copies of photos work best in jpg, png or gif format, and videos work best in mp4 format. Send your submissions before June 22, 2025 using the “Contact Us” link at GaL-AA.org and put “Newsletter Contest” in the subject line of your email, or email the Newsletter Committee directly at newsletter@gal-aa.org.
