LGBTQ Group

Types of AA Meetings

Closed: In Iowa, closed AA meetings are accessible only to members and individuals seeking help for a drinking problem. They are not open to the general public. This provides a safe, confidential space for participants to share about their alcohol addictions and journeys to sobriety.

Discussion: In Iowa, AA discussion meetings center around a core theme related to alcoholism and recovery. The speaker will select a passage from an AA text that relates to the theme, such as the Big Book or AA Grapevine, and reflect on it. Then, others can add their own stories and inputs.

Gay: Gay AA chapters can consist of members who are homosexual men or are simply gay-friendly. Topics in discussion are frequently related to issues facing gay men and their recovery.

LGBTQ: Selected AA chapters focus on providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and generally welcome LGBTQ+ allies. These groups prioritize members’ recovery and sobriety within a non-heteronormative context.

Lesbian: Lesbian AA meetings are intended as safe spaces for homosexual women and their allies to meet. Discussions generally focus on issues and challenges that lesbians face in their recovery.

Literature: Literature-based AA meetings in Iowa are community support meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction, including those with alcohol addiction and those with loved ones who have alcoholism. These group meetings focus on studying AA literature, such as the Big Book of AA and AA workbooks. The 12 step-based sessions are free for all to attend.

Transgender: Transgender AA meetings provide safe spaces for transgender individuals and their allies to meet. These groups may discuss issues and challenges related to alcohol use disorder that transgender individuals face.