Feeling a Part Of...

Melinda B. here. I joined the Austin Galano Club Board in June 2026 to help with AGC

Communications. I recently attended the club’s 14th Anniversary celebration, and what a

wonderful time it was.

Many 12-Step groups participated in the festivities, and the place was packed! The feast included smoked meats, endless sides, and desserts galore. There were games and a raffle, with Women in Solutions and T-Time each winning rent credit for their groups.

While I had been heavily involved in volunteer service over the years with the Lambda Group, Austin Roundup, and, more recently, the Reading Rainbow group, it had been quite a while since I’d attended that kind of sober gathering. It reminded me of the excitement of feeling “a part of” in my early recovery. I’m sure many of you know exactly what I mean. There’s no doubt in my mind that opportunities for service and fellowship like these played an indispensable role in helping me get sober—and stay sober.

It’s good to remember that none of this happens by chance. The fact that Austin Galano is still going strong after 14 years is no accident. When Galano began, its success was far from

guaranteed. It took dedicated people with a vision of what an LGBTQIA+ recovery community space could be—and the commitment to build it, sustain it, and help it grow. Since then, countless others have stepped forward to keep that vision alive. Let’s keep up the good work.

One thing I’ve learned since joining the Board is that the 12-Step groups Galano serves are the lifeblood of this center. Just as Galano provides a place for recovery to flourish, the commitment and generosity these groups give back are essential to its continued success. Thank you for showing up, doing the deal, helping keep Austin Galano strong, and, in the process, helping me stay sober.

The City of Austin has recognized that Austin Galano is the city’s only successful LGBTQIA+

recovery community center and will honor AGC in September by proclaiming “Austin Galano Club Day.” Again, this didn’t happen by chance. It is a tribute to everyone who has contributed to this remarkable community over the past 14 years.