The organisation Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) has announced that registration is now open for a new online workshop in its educational series. The session, the twelfth in the 'Progressive Islam Curriculum Live Workshop' programme, will be led by educator and MPV Board Member Kendra Cordova.
The workshop will focus on the first three lessons of Unit 7, titled "Sexual and Gender Diversity in Islam". It aims to guide participants through an examination of Islamic texts and history to understand the presence and permissibility of diverse sexual and gender identities within the faith. Attendees will review Qur’anic verses that demonstrate acceptance and affirmation, alongside studying Hadith literature that highlights the Prophet Muhammad's interactions with individuals of diverse identities.
The live session is scheduled for Saturday, 14 March 2026, at 7:00 PM Pacific Time (9:00 PM Central Time, 10:00 PM Eastern Time). It will be held online via Zoom, with a link sent to registrants 24 hours prior to the event.
Accessibility and Registration
MPV states a commitment to making its educational resources accessible while fairly compensating its educators. A standard donation of $15 is requested for registration. However, the organisation encourages anyone who cannot afford this fee to contact them at info@mpvusa.org before registering to inquire about potential sponsored places.
For those able to support wider access, MPV offers an option to sponsor a community member's attendance. A donation of $30 covers one's own fee and provides a sponsorship for someone in need, with donors asked to include a note specifying their intention.
About the Educator
Workshop leader Kendra Cordova, who uses they/them pronouns, is a revert to Islam. They hold a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and have a professional background in advanced language, composition, literary analysis, and spiritual life coaching.
Raised in a strict Catholic environment, Cordova later explored various world religions and New Age movements before feeling drawn to study Islam, particularly after a 2019 health diagnosis. They converted at the end of 2021, finding resonance with Islamic principles of social justice, a personal relationship with God, and the celebration of diversity in creation.
As a queer, non-binary, asexual panromantic individual and a parent of two children with special needs, Cordova brings a personal perspective to the workshop's themes. They incorporate Islam into their creative work, writing Sufi poetry and creating Islamic-inspired paintings featured in exhibitions.
In their role with MPV, Cordova aims to share progressive Islamic messages and support Muslims who have felt marginalised, using story-sharing and scholarly analysis to foster community. They can be contacted at mpvwithkendra@gmail.com.
