Understanding Anonymity
AA members may disclose their identity and speak as recovered alcoholics in radio, TV and Internet interviews without violating the traditions as long as their AA membership is not revealed. AA pamphlet: Understanding Anonymity
When writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of our fellowship to omit his personal name, designating himself instead as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill W, Alcoholics Anonymous, First Edition
Experience suggests that AA members use their last names within the fellowship, especially for election of group officers and other service jobs. AA pamphlet: Understanding Anonymity
“He [Dr. Bob] said there were two ways to break the anonymity tradition: by giving your name at the public level of press or radio or by being so anonymous that you can’t be reached by other drunks. The AA who hides his identity from his fellow AAs 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. Since our tradition of 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 AAs 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 matter 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.” Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers
Anonymity is and always has been the basis of the AA program. This means that the newcomer can turn to AA with the assurance that no newfound friends will violate confidences relating to his or her drinking problem. Whatever the circumstances, no disclosure of the newcomer’s affiliation with AA can rightfully be made by anyone but the newcomer, and then only in such a way that the fellowship will not be harmed. ‘Frequently Asked Questions About AA’