Minneapolis/St. Paul October 1, 2000

Please copy this newsletter for your group.

"I wanted to take a minute to personally thank you for all of the hard work and countless hours that you put into making IAC's presence at the Minneapolis International Convention a huge success. Everything was absolutely wonderful.

Personally, I was in the hospitality suite the majority of the conference. In doing so, I literally spoke to hundreds and hundreds of fellow Gay and Lesbian Alcoholics, along with numerous others in the AA general population. All were so grateful to have a place to meet and be comfortable.

The food was some of the best and least expensive that I could find. Besides the location, the setup, signage, etc, were all top notch - not to mention all of the friendly volunteers. We definitely made an impact.

The Dance, what can be said! I had tears in my eyes through most of the night. It was absolutely the best "sober dance" that I have ever attended. The location, music, decorations, staffing - everything was top notch! I heard this from literally everyone I spoke to. I personally believe you set a new standard for a "sober dance". I anticipate at least double the attendance in Toronto once the word gets out!

I believe the primary purpose of IAC is to help the still suffering Alcoholic, in particular the Gay and Lesbian. The work done by everyone involved with GLBT Minneapolis has undoubtedly helped IAC accomplish this.

I'm positive that anyone witnessing the camaraderie, friendship and celebration that occurred due to your hard work can't help but agree!"

Minnesober, the Twin Cities gay and lesbian roundup, will be held October 13, 14, and 15, 2000 at the Minneapolis Regal Hotel, 1313 Nicollet Mall. Registration is $40 at the door - Saturday day events only are $25, and Saturday evening events only (dinner and dance) is $20.

There will be workshops, speakers, and meetings all three days, with the dinner and speaker starting at 6:30 on Saturday evening.

There will also be a follow-up committee meeting (all are welcome to attend) at 12 noon on Sunday.

Dr. Bob, co-founder of AA, commented on Tradition Eleven as follows:

"Since our Tradition on anonymity designates the exact level where the line should be held, it must be obvious to everyone who can read and understand the English Language that to maintain anonymity at any other level is definitely a violation of this Tradition.

The AA who hides his identity from his fellow AA by using only a given name violates the Tradition just as much as the AA who permits his name to appear in the press in connection with matters pertaining to AA.

The former is maintaining his anonymity above the level of press, radio, and films, and the latter is maintaining his anonymity below the level of press, radio, and films --- whereas the Tradition states that we should maintain our anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films. "

Anonymity vs. 'principals before personalities'

To me, anonymity is keeping who I am private at the level of press, radio, and film - not in the fellowship. Someone once said, "if we do not let members of our groups know who we are, how can we reach one another when we need help?" On the other hand, I am responsible for keeping my anonymity at a public level and it is my responsibility to NEVER break anyone else's anonymity.

The statement, "ever reminding us to place principals before personalities" is my responsibility in looking at other members. No matter what someone's name, occupation, religion, sexual preference, financial or social status - it is my responsibility to listen to them all and speak to them all. One of Blanch D's lines - "you never know where you will hear the piece the just fits" comes to mind. She also said all the answers are in the program, and one never knows who will have them. I want to get all the options - I can sort out which ones may work for me talking to my sponsor. I also need to choose my friends, confidants, and especially my sponsors by the same standards. Have I judged what someone has to offer by how much money they make or by their social standing? (The same is true in helping choose a trusted servant for a group.) Or, do I listen to what they say, how they work their program - are they Honest, Open, and Willing? - and use that criteria to choose.

A planning meeting for GLBT in AA will be held in the near future. The time and place will be announced at the Halloween Party.

The future direction of GLBT in AA will be discussed - plans for the Web Site and how it can serve the GLBT recovering community - world wide. We will also discuss what social events we want to plan, how often we want to meet, election of trusted servants, etc.

We would like to thank all of you who have donated time and money to help us carry the message. Thank you to the groups that have included us in the 7^th Tradition. Also, thank you to the individuals who have pledged monthly amounts to keep the Web Site up and running over the next year.

If you or your group would like to make a donation to GLBT in A.A, please send them to the following address:

IAC (the International Advisory Council for Homosexual Men and Women in Alcoholics Anonymous) have the new edition of the World Directory of GLBT meetings. They are $5 each. The IAC newsletter, IACTIVITY is free, but a donation of $5 is suggested to help with expenses including postage. Both can be ordered from IAC: a non-profit corporation, P.O. Box 18212, Washington, DC 20036-8212.

Please check to see if your group is including IAC in the 7^th Tradition. Some members also make a special gift to IAC on their anniversary date of one or two dollars per year. IAC offers many services for our community. Please support them.

(No one will be turned away)

2218 1^st Ave. So.

Mpls, MN

Parking lot on the North side of the building

Enter by door off the parking lot

bring munchies

coffee, cider, and soda's will be for sale

If you would like to help provide some entertainment (perform), or if you would like to volunteer to sell refreshments or tickets,

please call Don H. at 612-827-5163.

Proceeds will be used to continue the newsletter, web site, meeting list, Gopher State Hospitality Room, and social events in recovery.