Spotlight On Sobriety 11/09/2025
- newslettervoluntee
- Nov 3
- 8 min read
In this week's publication:
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Rising Together: TGIF LGBTQ AA's Resilient Journey in Altadena, CA
When I heard about the TGIF Podium Participation LGBTQ meeting in Altadena, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. In January 2025, the Eaton Fire swept near their community, leaving many members with damaged or lost homes. Their meeting place—the Lutheran Church that hosts TGIF—was spared from destruction, though it suffered smoke damage. After repainting, cleanup, and upgrades, the meeting returned to its longtime home stronger than ever. It’s a powerful reminder that even when life feels uncertain, our fellowship endures “one day at a time.”
I’ve always admired how groups like this reflect the spirit I’ve found in AA. Let’s look at how TGIF kept the fire of recovery burning, even when real smoke clouded the air.
A Legacy Forged in Fellowship: TGIF’s Roots
For well over 15 years, the TGIF Podium Participation LGBTQ meeting has been a Friday night haven—meeting at 8:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church in Altadena. Before that, it met in South Pasadena. According to the Los Angeles Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous (LACAA) directory, it’s always been a welcoming, gay meeting open to all—men and women, new and long-timers, young and old. The podium style, where one person shares and then opens the floor, creates a safe and connected space to be yourself, sober and supported.
The meeting’s long history mirrors its message: come as you are, and you’ll be accepted. One longtime member shared that TGIF has “always been a place where you can be safe, seen, and sober.” It’s a community that celebrates milestones, builds sponsee relationships, and keeps the spirit of fellowship alive.
The Fire’s Impact: A Test of Faith and Fellowship
When the Eaton Fire reached the surrounding areas, it changed many lives. While the Lutheran Church itself was spared from flames, it sustained smoke damage. Many TGIF members weren’t as fortunate—some lost their homes or had to relocate. But through it all, they stayed connected, proving that the strength of the meeting is in its people, not the walls.
During cleanup and repairs, TGIF shifted temporarily online using Zoom, drawing together members from near and far. “We’ve gone through thick and thin,” one member said. “And we’re still here—one day at a time.”
Zoom as Lifeline: Fellowship Without Borders
The online meetings became a lifeline during that period. Members joined from their cars, temporary housing, and friends’ couches, bringing familiar faces and voices together in a time of loss. The hybrid spirit that began in those weeks remains part of TGIF today—connecting in-person attendees and Zoom participants in one shared recovery space.
It’s that unity—across distance and difficulty—that defines TGIF’s fellowship. Whether in a church hall or on a screen, recovery continues, sustained by shared experience, laughter, and gratitude.
Home Again: Strength and Serenity
Today, TGIF meets once again at the Lutheran Church in Altadena, fully restored and thriving. What started as recovery amid uncertainty has become a renewed celebration of resilience. The meeting welcomes everyone—newcomers and old-timers alike—with warmth and sincerity.
Friday nights at TGIF remain what they’ve always been: a place where you can be yourself, be safe, and be sober.
A day at a time—together.
Steve N. With help from Vincent B., Ron and Ben
WELCOME to New and Returning Members of the GaL-AA Executive Committee
The following actions were voted on and approved by the membership of GaL-AA at its Annual Meeting, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 12:30 PM ET on Zoom.
GaL-AA is pleased to welcome the following trusted servants who have been elected and appointed to serve on the Executive Committee during 2026. Each candidate spoke before voting began to introduce themselves and discuss their willingness to serve on the Executive Committee:
Deputy Chair – Anil P.
Secretary – Chris B.
Advisor I – James R. - filling an unexpired term of one year.
Advisor II – Steve N. - for full term, 2 years.
Advisor III – Michael M. - filling an unexpired term of one year.
Introduction to Liaison Members–Two of our three appointed Liaison members were also introduced during the meeting. One position remains open. The appointees are:
Liaison I – Liz M.
Liaison II – Julie B.
If you are interested in the additional liaison position, which is a board appointed position, please send your service resume to “elections@gal-aa.org”.
The following bylaw changes were also approved. (see the Annual Meeting Page for the full text of these changes) The purpose is to provide clarity, broaden membership information, add meeting information, and update our bylaws to more closely adhere to current business practices.
Section 1.0, a and b: Correct by removing “Service” from Internal Revenue Code
Section 2.0: Revise and update “Statement of Inclusion”.
Section 3.0, a: Add provision to join GaL-AA through approved social media outlets, b: clarify provisions for member voting, c: specify that financial support is optional and not a requirement for membership.
Section 7.0, a ii: Remove Advisor IV position: Remove specialties from Liaison positions.
Section 9.0, Add provision for Special Meeting notification through social media.
Section 11.0, a,b,c,d: Add language clarifying election cycle and procedures.
GaL-AA Election Committee
Houston Roundup 45th Anniversary - Out In The Woods!
Join us Thanksgiving weekend - November 27-30, 2025 - for the 45th Annual Houston Roundup!
This beloved event brings together members of our recovery community from across the country for a weekend filled with inspiring workshops, powerful meetings, and joyful fellowship.
Come share in the experience, strength, and hope that make this annual tradition so special.
Visit www.houstonroundup.org for registration details and hotel information.
AAGRAPEVINE The International Journal of Alcoholics Anonymous LGBTQ: Becoming A Member of AA
Publication Date: 2022-03-16
Author Name: Mike P.
He thought he’d be rejected when he walked into his first meeting
As a gay man and alcoholic, I began attending an LGBTQ group of Alcoholics Anonymous in June of 2016 but continued to drink for the next eight months. Going to AA was just another opportunity for me to drink without my partner knowing. I didn’t believe any of you really had what you claimed, nor did I listen to what you were saying. I believed some people did get sober but didn’t think the Steps had anything to do with it. And I would have nothing to do with a God that condemns me just for who I am and what I do sexually.
I was sure I could quit on my own. I had once stopped drinking for a year and then again for five years through willpower. Both times I began drinking again because I’d proven to myself that I could quit, so I thought I’d be able to drink responsibly. But, of course, my alcoholism progressed.
On March 17th, 2017, after another argument with my partner the night before, I came to with a hangover once again. I felt like a total failure and that my entire life had amounted to nothing. I took a walk in the woods on our property, gun in hand, and sat on a paver stone before this beautiful pond we had built years before. It was cold that day and I had to wear a coat but the sun was shining—a perfect March day. If I had known it was Saint Patrick’s Day, I probably would have kept drinking. Instead I wallowed in self-pity just like I had for the past decade. The fifth and a half of vodka I was drinking almost every night no longer worked and hadn’t for the last several years. I knew I couldn’t stop drinking and I knew I couldn’t continue. I had lost hope.
That’s when I put the gun to my head. I sat there and cried for probably ten minutes. I was too afraid to accept the responsibilities of living and too much of a coward to end it. That was when the thoughts entered my head. Get a sponsor. Work the Steps. What can it hurt?
As soon as I made the decision that day to get a sponsor, the desire to drink left me and I felt hope for the first time in a long time. It took a few days before I finally worked up the nerve to ask someone to sponsor me. He instructed me to attend 90 meetings in 90 days. The LGBTQ meetings were only held on Mondays and Fridays, so I discovered a meeting hall close by that has three meetings a day, every day of the week. I assumed these were predominantly straight meetings.
I was extremely nervous about attending and I walked in with a chip on my shoulders. I believe I was the first to share that night. “I’m Mike, alcoholic. I’m also gay, so I doubt I’ll be welcome after tonight.” The entire room erupted in laughter -- not at me, but for me. There was no malice in their outbursts. Several men spoke to me during that meeting and one said: “If there’s anyone here who doesn’t want you here, then that person wouldn’t be welcome.” Greetings, handshakes and hugs followed that meeting. It eventually became my home group. I was told months later I was very angry that night. I suppose I was. I know I was afraid. I came in fearing I’d be judged and I was prepared to throw the Third Tradition back in their faces if I had been rejected. There was obviously no need for that. They’d stolen my thunder before I could make a total fool out of myself. It turned out I was the one doing all the judging. I soon learned there were other gay people who regularly attend that meeting. My fears had been unfounded and unjustified. Contempt prior to investigation.
I’ve since been told we shouldn’t directly address newcomers in meetings because many of them feel ashamed or singled out, so they freak out and never return. I disagree with that. Had I not been welcomed and assured of my right to be in that room, I might have mistaken the silence for intolerance or outright hostility and may not have returned. The love and tolerance shown to me keeps me coming back. Things are getting better. I’ve been sober almost three years now, I’m learning to trust the process and I look forward to carrying the message and being of service to others. I feel I finally belong somewhere. AA hasn’t always been easy but it’s easier than what I was doing. I’m not sure where I would be without this program and Fellowship and I have nothing but thanks and gratitude to all of you who have been there and continue to be there.
Source URL: https://www.aagrapevine.org/magazine/2022/mar/lgbtq-becoming-member-aa
Copyright © The AA Grapevine, Inc. (November 2025) Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. To subscribe to AA Grapevine, please visit https://www.aagrapevine.org
🌈 Share Your Group’s Story — Be Featured in Our 2026 Series!
GaL-AA is launching a new series for 2026 celebrating the incredible stories of LGBTQ+ Alcoholics Anonymous groups around the world. Each month, we’ll spotlight one group — sharing their journey, milestones, and the ways they continue to carry the message of recovery within our community.
We’re looking for submissions from groups that want to tell their story — whether it’s about:
How your group was founded or how it’s evolved over time.
Recent events or anniversaries that brought your members together.
A relocation, format change, or special project that helped your group grow.
Unique traditions or service work that make your group special.
These don’t have to be long stories. We have a max of 800 words — If it’s long, that is ok, we can help trim it down.
We’ll pair your write-up with a photo or flyer (if available) and feature it in our weekly “Spotlight on Sobriety” newsletter and across GaL-AA’s social media channels.
🖋️ How to Participate: Send your story or ideas to SpotlightOnSobriety@gal-aa.org with the subject line “Group Story Submission.”
Please include your group’s name, city, and contact person so we can follow up for any details.
Let’s make 2026 a year of connection and pride in the fellowship we share.
Together, we tell the story of recovery — one meeting, one group, and one day at a time.
In service,
Your GaL-AA Newsletter Team SpotlightOnSobriety@gal-aa.org
Spotlight On Sobriety 11/09/2025
The Spotlight On Sobriety 11/09/2025 features personal stories, articles and reflections submitted by members and friends of the fellowship. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Alcoholics Anonymous or GaL-AA.
Your GaL-AA Newsletter Team
