the debate in
Trade Review
"This volume fills in a previously missing chapter in the history of addiction recovery in America. Well-research and well-written."
William M. White, M.A., Senior Research Coordinator, Chestnut Health Systems, Bloomington, IL
"This groundbreaking book about an important but little-known part of the history of Alcohilics Anonymous belongs on the shelves of every alcoholic and addict, straight or gay. . . . An invaluable resource. . . . Magnificent."
Rev. Sally Brown, M.S., MDiv, United Church of Christ, Board Certified Clinical Chaplain, Ret., Palo Alto, CA
"This fascinating book is an important first step in chronicling and understanding the experiences of gays and lesbians in AA."
Thomasina Borkmman, PhD, Professor of Sociology, Emerita at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
"The author lets a number of people speak in their own voices, from their own powerful and moving experiences. . . . It is useful, hopeful, and most welcome. The men and women interviewed here are wonderful to meet, and wonderful to listen to."
Fr. Thomas Weston, S.J., Oakland, CA
Table of Contents
Preface. Acknowledgments. PART I: FROM THE BEGINNING, 1935–1970. 1. The Recovering Gay Community. 2. Barry L. and the Gay Origins of AA’s Third Tradition. 3. Alcoholism and Homosexuality: A Brief History of Treatment. 4. Five Views of Sober Gay Life in the 1950s and 1960s. 5. Finding AA: Groups, Directories, and the First Gay AA Meeting. 6. Printer’s Ink: A Conversation with Nancy T. 7. Special Purpose Groups and the Debate over Meetings for Gay Alcoholics in AA. PART II: BUILDING SOBER COMMUNITIES, 1970–2004. 8. Washington DC. 9. New York. 10. New Jersey. 11. We Never Looked Back: A Conversation with NALGAP Cofounders Drs. Dana Finnegan and Emily McNally. 12. San Francisco. 13. AA’s Pamphlet for Gay and Lesbian Alcoholics. 14. The Home Front. 15. On Our Way: A Conversation with Lillene Fifield. 16. Pass It On. 17. Side by Side in Southern California: Alcoholics Together. 18. A Few Conclusions (and Mysteries Solved). Appendix A. The Steps and Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Appendix B. List of Narrators. Appendix C. Becoming an Ally. Notes. Selected Bibliography. Index.
