MPV LA - Staying Connected Over Halal Bites

What better way to share talks, laughs and staying connected, than over Halal bites!
This is intended for folks in the Inland Empire area but all are welcome.
Here’s an exciting public area called Riverside Food Lab with couple of halal restaurants.
This is family friendly. Looking forward to this!

MPV LA - A Heartfelt Talk Circle

Opening up about certain feelings, trauma, or even the joys of life might seem like a taboo topic in our community and family, especially for older folks who may have past experiences or are dealing with challenges later in life. Certain emotions tend to resurface despite all efforts to suppress them, and genuinely seek to be expressed. It is crucial to recognize that vulnerability can be a powerful way to connect and heal.

This talking circle aims to provide a space for individuals to share openly from the heart and foster empathy through attentive listening with an open mind. We will gather in a welcoming circle, allowing ourselves to be present, letting our emotions flow freely, sharing personal wounds, happiness and desires in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential forum. One may simply pass on their turn to speak or just let their silence be heard clearly. The focus is on emotional authenticity rather than problem-solving. The goal is for individuals to release emotions, reduce stress, process feelings, and feel supported by others.

In simple terms, this gathering is about coming as you are to laugh, cry, and share experiences together. The purpose is to create a space that promotes openness and a supportive atmosphere amongst the group.

I know that traveling distances and schedules can be challenging but I want to accommodate everyone from the LA, OC, and RV areas. I hope the venue's location and timing will be convenient. It is bit closer to LA since most active members are form that region. I'll message the exact spot where we'll be seated.

I truly believe this talk will be of great benefit, and while I would be glad to come meet just one participant, having more attendees would certainly enrich our discussions. Please RSVP to show your commitment and to encourage others to participate. If you’d prefer, you can also send me a private message, and I’ll add you as a guest.

I do get called in to work on Saturdays sometimes, so if that happens, I can either alter the time for that day or move it to the next morning. I should know for sure by midweek.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome!

MPV LA - Staying Connected Over Halal Bites

What better way to share laughs and stay connected than over Halal foods? This will be an exciting adventure to explore global Halal cuisines right in our SoCal backyards. The main concept is that sampling different Halal menus can be a lot for an individual, so ordering together and sharing will allow us to enjoy variety of ethnic flavors. Come embrace your inner Halal foodie and find new eatery experiences. Most Halal places serve tasty vegetarian options as well, so don’t hesitate to join, even if you’re not an omnivore.

Here's my another favorite place and it's in LA so hoping for many of you to join in. Jasmine Restaurant offers traditional Burmese food as well as Desi menu. Every dish here is amazing. Check out their menu although prices may differ then posted. This place closes at 8 but will stay little later on weekends. I'll try to be there little earlier then 7 but let's meet no later.

I’m really looking forward to seeing you all. Please RSVP to show your commitment and also to encourage others to participate. If you prefer, you can also send me a private message, and I’ll add you as a guest. This is family friendly.

Progressive Islam Workshop - Freedom of Religion and Belief and Islam Part 2

Muslims for Progressive Values is excited to bring to our community the 11th workshop in the Progressive Islam Curriculum Live Workshop series. Workshop 11 will cover Lessons 3 and 4 of the Progressive Islam Curriculum's Unit 6 "Freedom of Religion and Belief", which presents a progressive Islamic understanding of freedom of religion and belief.

Participants will review three case studies that highlight how freedom of religion and belief manifested in Muslim societies in the post-Prophetic period to understand the diverse policies and practices that were present across the Ottoman Empire, the Iberian Peninsula, and Muslim-led Bengal. The lesson workshop will conclude with an overview of takfir, including the history of the practice and how it emerged and evolved to become the dangerous practice we recognize it to be today.

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 

Time: 7:00 PM PT | 9:00 PM CT | 10:00 PM ET

Registration Fee: $15 donation to Muslims for Progressive Values' Public Education Fund to compensate our educator with the benefit of an interactive question and answer session. 

*Pay your registration fee here*

*If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available to you. 

About the Registration Fee:

We want our educational resources to be as accessible as possible but we also believe in compensating our educators and the people who make these educational programs possible. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available to you. 

If you have the ability to and would like to sponsor an individual's attendance for the workshop, please make a donation of $30 and add a note to your donation signaling that you are sponsoring a community member's registration fee.

About the Educator:

Kendra Cordova (they/them) is a revert Muslim. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing and their background includes advanced language and composition, storytelling, literary analysis, world literature, and training as a spiritual life coach. 

Kendra was raised with a strict religious education within the Catholic Church, but didn't feel that the teachings reflected their belief in God's compassion and love. They went on to spend time studying world religions and spent years with New Age movements. These teachings were full of healing and compassion, but were still missing an important aspect: the Oneness of God.

In 2019 Kendra was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and felt drawn to study Islam. After reading the Quran and a few years of study, they knew they had found the truth in Islam and converted at the end of 2021.

As a queer person (nonbinary asexual panromantic), and the mother of two special needs children, Kendra has been inspired by the beauty of the Quran and the core Islamic principles including social justice, fostering a personal relationship with God, and the celebration of diversity in God's creation. They have incorporated Islam into their creative life as well, writing sufi poetry and including Islamic imagery in their paintings which have been featured in juries exhibitions in the U.S.

As a host for MPV, Kendra hopes to share the progressive message of Islam and help Muslims who have often felt marginalized in the community to feel seen, heard, and loved through sharing Islamic stories, analyzing scholarly research, and encouraging viewers to share their stories, too.

You can contact Kendra at mpvwithkendra@gmail.com

MPV LA - "Seeds for Liberation" World Premiere with Alana Hadid

Join us in Los Angeles CA for the World Premiere of the documentary film, "Seeds for Liberation," with Alana Hadid!

This new documentary from Matthew Solomon and Donna Hadjikhani ("Reimagining Safety") highlights the Free Palestine movement and its connections to Black, Chicano, and collective liberation. Featuring some of the biggest names in the movement, from Palestine to Stop Cop City, "Seeds for Liberation" is both powerful and inspiring, spanning decades of solidarity and culminating in reflections on what liberation and a free Palestine truly mean.

Join us on Saturday, January 17th, at 6:30 pm. The exact location will be shared 24 hours prior to the event. For planning purposes, the general vicinity is West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

GET YOUR TICKETS! Tickets are sliding scale, and we encourage you to bring someone you'd really like to see this film at a discounted price!

Doors open at 6:30pm. The movie begins at 7pm. A panel discussion and Q&A follow.

MPV LA Virtual Qur’an Chat

Join MPV LA x IQRA on Saturday, January 17 at 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET for our monthly Qur’an Chat! We’ll be meeting virtually to discuss Surah Dhariyat (Q51).

About iqra

We gather virtually or in-person to discuss the Quran. The group aims to be an inclusive space to connect to, struggle with, and grow from the sacred and deeply lyrical text while exploring the gamut of possible interpretations (whether progressivist, shia, modernist, sunni, feminist, sufi, queer, or salafi). Core to this endeavor is a commitment to 1) recognizing the historic multiplicity of Muslim interpretation and 2) embracing the diversity of our own personal experiences and understandings. In this process, we will differ and disagree - it's only natural! Let's embrace that and grow from one another.

Ground rules:

Bring your whole selves into the conversation. Be respectful. Share air time so everyone has an opportunity to speak. There are no silly questions. Each of us are at different places of our spiritual journey and we look forward to supporting each other wherever we may be. No level of familiarity or knowledge of Arabic is required.

MPV Los Angeles staying connected over halal bites

What better way to share laughs and stay connected than over Halal food? This will be an exciting adventure to explore global Halal cuisines right in our backyards. The main concept is that sampling different Halal menus can be a lot for an individual, so ordering together and sharing will allow us to enjoy variety of ethnic flavors. Come embrace your inner Halal foodie and find new eatery experiences. Most Halal places serve tasty vegetarian options as well, so don’t hesitate to join, even if you’re not an omnivore.

I still want to kick off the meet with this awesome joint straight out of Karachi called Bundoo Khan in Fullerton, Ca. Every item here is cooked to perfection mostly on BBQ grills right in front. I love their beefy burger but have yet to try the veggie burger. Check out their menu online. This is one of the most popular place and gets busy, which also creates a great environment by seeing so many coming from distances to enjoy. This place is also pretty central with around a 35-45 minute drive from LA, RIV and 20-30 minutes from S.OC. I know there are many members out of these areas and I wish I could accommodate you somehow. It’s the long weekend for many and this place is open till 1am on Fridays so 8pm should work for many. This place also has amazing breakfast on the weekends only. Let me know if anyone would prefer that instead or also and we can arrange to go on Sunday. I’d be happy to be accompanied by just one MPV friend but more would be livelier.

I’m really looking forward to seeing you all. Please RSVP to show your commitment and also to encourage others to participate. If you prefer, you can also send me a private message, and I’ll add you as a guest. I understand that times may be financially tight to eat outside but if some one would really like to attend please message me. I'm also making this event family friendly.

Suggestions about verified Halal venues are welcome for future meets!

MPV Los Angeles In Person Qur’an Chat

Join MPV LA x IQRA on Sunday, January 11 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PT for an in person Qur’an Chat! We’ll meet at Adnan’s house to hangout and have our discussion before going to get food nearby. Register below to confirm attendance and for location details.

About iqra

We gather virtually or in-person to discuss the Quran. The group aims to be an inclusive space to connect to, struggle with, and grow from the sacred and deeply lyrical text while exploring the gamut of possible interpretations (whether progressivist, shia, modernist, sunni, feminist, sufi, queer, or salafi). Core to this endeavor is a commitment to 1) recognizing the historic multiplicity of Muslim interpretation and 2) embracing the diversity of our own personal experiences and understandings. In this process, we will differ and disagree - it's only natural! Let's embrace that and grow from one another.

Ground rules:

Bring your whole selves into the conversation. Be respectful. Share air time so everyone has an opportunity to speak. There are no silly questions. Each of us are at different places of our spiritual journey and we look forward to supporting each other wherever we may be. No level of familiarity or knowledge of Arabic is required.

MPV Los Angeles Heartfelt Talk Circle

Join MPV Los Angeles on Saturday, January 10 for our next Heartfelt Circle Talk. We’ll be gathering together at 9:30 AM PT to come as you are to laugh, cry, and share experiences together in a space that promotes openness and a supportive atmosphere.

Opening up about certain feelings, trauma, or even the joys of life might seem like a taboo topic in our community and family, especially for mature adults who may have past experiences or are dealing with challenges later in life after marriage, becoming parents, or even grandparents. Certain emotions tend to resurface despite all efforts to suppress them, and genuinely seek to be expressed. It is crucial to recognize that vulnerability can be a powerful way to connect and heal.

This talking circle aims to provide a space for individuals to share openly from the heart and foster empathy through attentive listening with an open mind. We will meet in a comfortable circle, allowing ourselves to be present and letting our emotions flow freely. We will follow guidelines for taking turns, enabling each participant to express their personal wounds, joy, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment. Participants may choose to skip their turn or let their silence be heard. The focus is on emotional authenticity rather than problem-solving. The goal is for individuals to release emotions, reduce stress, process feelings, and feel supported by others.

In simple terms, this gathering is about coming as you are to laugh, cry, and share experiences together. The purpose is to create a space that promotes openness and a supportive atmosphere amongst the group.

The location will be shared with those who RSVP or request it via private message. I recognize that travel distance and timing can be challenging, but I strive to accommodate everyone from the LA, OC, and RV areas, so a centrally located venue near Buena Park, CA 90620, will help minimize travel distance.

MPV Los angeles virtual Qur’an chat

Join MPV Los Angeles on Saturday December 20 at 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET for our monthly Virtual Qur’an Chat as we read from Surah Zumar Q39:52-75!

About the IQRA group:

We gather virtually or in-person to discuss the Quran. The group aims to be an inclusive space to connect to, struggle with, and grow from the sacred and deeply lyrical text while exploring the gamut of possible interpretations (whether progressivist, shia, modernist, sunni, feminist, sufi, queer, or salafi). Core to this endeavor is a commitment to 1) recognizing the historic multiplicity of Muslim interpretation and 2) embracing the diversity of our own personal experiences and understandings. In this process, we will differ and disagree - it's only natural! Let's embrace that and grow from one another.

Ground rules:

Bring your whole selves into the conversation. Be respectful. Share air time so everyone has an opportunity to speak. There are no silly questions. Each of us are at different places of our spiritual journey and we look forward to supporting each other wherever we may be. No level of familiarity or knowledge of Arabic is required.

Join MPV Great Lakes on Sunday, December 14 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT for our virtual monthly meeting. Become a member of the Facebook Group – MPV Great Lakes at the link below to get access to the Google meet link.

MPV Los angeles - queer muslim brunch

Salaam again, friends! Last brunch of 2025! Let's show up and show off our LGBTQ+ Muslim pride <3 Allies are always welcome <3

Join MPV Los Angeles on Sunday, December 14 from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM at Precinct DTLA for a Disney-themed Drag Brunch you won't find in Anaheim. Purchase your admission ticket (about $10) directly from Precinct. There's no guarantee of availability, so please purchase in advance. Admission is separate from the cost of your meal.

MPV's Progressive Islam Curriculum Workshop - Freedom of Religion and Belief and Islam Part I

Muslims for Progressive Values is excited to bring to our community the Progressive Islam Curriculum Live Workshop with Kendra Cordova, educator, MPV Board Member, and the brilliant mind behind our Youtube Series, MPV with Kendra. 

The 10th workshop in this online series will cover Lessons 1 and 2 of the Progressive Islam Curriculum's Unit 6 "Freedom of Religion and Belief", which presents a progressive Islamic understanding of freedom of religion and belief. Participants will be introduced to global principles of religious freedom, before examining Qur’anic texts, Hadith, and the Prophet’s Covenants that affirm these rights. The unit will also highlight historical examples of their protection in Muslim societies and concludes with an analysis of takfīr, including its origins, its misuse, and how it threatens both human rights and Islam’s core teachings.

MPV's Progressive Islam Curriculum Live Workshop - Freedom of Religion and Belief and Islam Part 1 

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 

Time: 7:00 PM PT | 9:00 PM CT | 10:00 PM ET

Registration Fee: $15 donation to Muslims for Progressive Values' Public Education Fund to compensate our educator with the benefit of an interactive question and answer session. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available to you. 

*Pay your registration fee here*

*24 hours before the first live workshop begins, you'll receive an email from Kendra with the Zoom link to join the live workshop.

About the Registration Fee:

We want our educational resources to be as accessible as possible but we also believe in compensating our educators and the people who make these educational programs possible. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available to you. 

If you have the ability to and would like to sponsor an individual's attendance for the workshop, please make a donation of $30 and add a note to your donation signaling that you are sponsoring a community member's registration fee.

About the Educator:

Kendra Cordova (they/them) is a revert Muslim. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing and their background includes advanced language and composition, storytelling, literary analysis, world literature, and training as a spiritual life coach. 

Kendra was raised with a strict religious education within the Catholic Church, but didn't feel that the teachings reflected their belief in God's compassion and love. They went on to spend time studying world religions and spent years with New Age movements. These teachings were full of healing and compassion, but were still missing an important aspect: the Oneness of God.

In 2019 Kendra was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and felt drawn to study Islam. After reading the Quran and a few years of study, they knew they had found the truth in Islam and converted at the end of 2021.

As a queer person (nonbinary asexual panromantic), and the mother of two special needs children, Kendra has been inspired by the beauty of the Quran and the core Islamic principles including social justice, fostering a personal relationship with God, and the celebration of diversity in God's creation. They have incorporated Islam into their creative life as well, writing sufi poetry and including Islamic imagery in their paintings which have been featured in juries exhibitions in the U.S.

As a host for MPV, Kendra hopes to share the progressive message of Islam and help Muslims who have often felt marginalized in the community to feel seen, heard, and loved through sharing Islamic stories, analyzing scholarly research, and encouraging viewers to share their stories, too.

You can contact Kendra at mpvwithkendra@gmail.com

MPV los angeles - heartfelt talking circle

Please join MPV Los Angeles on December 6 from 9 AM - 11 AM for our first ever Heartfelt Talking Circle.

About the talking circle

This talking circle is created for individuals to speak from the heart and cultivate empathy through attentive listening with an open mind. We will follow guidelines for taking turns, enabling each participant to express their personal wounds, desires and experiences in a secure, non-judgmental, and confidential environment. One may decide to skip their turn or to let everyone hear the silent outburst. The focus is on emotional authenticity rather than fixing problems. The goal is for individuals to release emotions, alleviate stress, process feelings, and feel supported by others.

We will convene in a comfortable circle, allowing ourselves to be present and permitting our emotions to flow. The venue will be communicated to those who RSVP or to those who request it in a private message. I understand that driving distance and timing can be stressful, but I aim to accommodate everyone, so the venue will be centrally located, maybe around Fullerton area, to minimize travel for all. The timing is also arranged for the convenience of attendees.

Virtual Screening of Witness

Join Muslims for Progressive Values for an exclusive virtual screening of Witness, a short fiction film that tells the story of a revered small-town imam who faces a crisis of faith when he must choose between upholding the values of his mosque or protecting the safety and spiritual belonging of a male congregant.

🗓 Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM PT – 6:30 PM PT
🖥 Location: Online (link provided upon ticket purchase)

This event offers an opportunity to experience Witness from the comfort of your home while engaging with a community committed to justice, compassion, and progressive change. 

Following the screening, join us for an inspiring Q&A with the film’s creators Saif Jaan (writer and co-director) and Radha Mehta (co-director) as they share insights into the film’s story, message, and creative journey.

All proceeds from this event will support our public relations campaign to help Witness reach the Oscar Awards stage.

Salaam, Community!

Join us for an evening of fellowship, food, and connection! Whether you’re new or a longtime member, you’re warmly welcome.

We’ll start gathering at 6:00 pm to mingle and greet newcomers, then pray Isha together at 6:30.
After prayer we will share a potluck meal. Bring what you can, but you are welcome in any case. A signup sheet for food and cleanup is here.

We will also watch a short film (TBA) and have discussion or socialization afterwards.

📍 Location: Starr King Room, First Unitarian Church of Oakland
📅 Date/Time: Saturday, November 22nd, 6 - 9 pm.
🚇 Easy walk from 12th Street BART in downtown Oakland
Looking forward to seeing everyone — inshallah!

Join the MPV Great Lakes Chapter on Sunday November 16 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT for our monthly virtual gathering!

Join MPV LA x IQRA for our monthly virtual Qur’an Chat on Saturday, November 15 at 9:30 AM PT | 12:30 PM ET. We’ll be discussing a shorter Surah, possibly Surah Naba.

Join MPV LA x IQRA for an in-person Qur’an Chat on Sunday November 9 from 3 - 6 PM. We’ll meet in person in West LA and then get food at a nearby restaurant after the discussion. RSVP below for more details, including the exact location of the meet up!

MPV's Progressive Islam Curriculum Workshop - Gender Equality in Islam Part 2

Muslims for Progressive Values is excited to bring to our community the Progressive Islam Curriculum Live Workshop with Kendra Cordova, educator, MPV Board Member, and the brilliant mind behind our Youtube Series, MPV with Kendra. 

The 9th workshop in this online series will cover Lessons 3, 4, and 5 of the Progressive Islam Curriculum's Unit 5 "Gender Equality in Islam", confronting misconceptions and barriers that Muslim women face to manifesting their God-given rights to economic independence, reproductive justice, and marital rights. Participants will reflect on the different Islamic values that should guide our understanding of the rights that Muslim women have to access these freedoms, which they have been entitled to since the first revelations of the Qur'an. 

MPV's Progressive Islam Curriculum Live Workshop - Gender Equality in Islam Part 2

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025 

Time: 7:00 PM PT | 9:00 PM CT | 10:00 PM ET

Registration Fee: $15 donation to Muslims for Progressive Values' Public Education Fund to compensate our educator with the benefit of an interactive question and answer session. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available to you. 

PAY REGISTRATION FEE

24 hours before the first live workshop begins, you'll receive an email from Kendra with the Zoom link to join the live workshop.

About the Registration Fee:

We want our educational resources to be as accessible as possible but we also believe in compensating our educators and the people who make these educational programs possible. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available to you. 

If you have the ability to and would like to sponsor an individual's attendance for the workshop, please make a donation of $30 and add a note to your donation signaling that you are sponsoring a community member's registration fee.

About the Educator:

Kendra Cordova (they/them) is a revert Muslim. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing and their background includes advanced language and composition, storytelling, literary analysis, world literature, and training as a spiritual life coach. 

Kendra was raised with a strict religious education within the Catholic Church, but didn't feel that the teachings reflected their belief in God's compassion and love. They went on to spend time studying world religions and spent years with New Age movements. These teachings were full of healing and compassion, but were still missing an important aspect: the Oneness of God.

In 2019 Kendra was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and felt drawn to study Islam. After reading the Quran and a few years of study, they knew they had found the truth in Islam and converted at the end of 2021.

As a queer person (nonbinary asexual panromantic), and the mother of two special needs children, Kendra has been inspired by the beauty of the Quran and the core Islamic principles including social justice, fostering a personal relationship with God, and the celebration of diversity in God's creation. They have incorporated Islam into their creative life as well, writing sufi poetry and including Islamic imagery in their paintings which have been featured in juries exhibitions in the U.S.

As a host for MPV, Kendra hopes to share the progressive message of Islam and help Muslims who have often felt marginalized in the community to feel seen, heard, and loved through sharing Islamic stories, analyzing scholarly research, and encouraging viewers to share their stories, too.

You can contact Kendra at mpvwithkendra@gmail.com

A Common Pledge: Advancing the Unique Role of Women and Young Women of Faith Mediators

Despite global commitments like the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, women’s leadership in peace mediation remains far too low. In 2023, women made up only 13.7% of mediators in peace processes.

In response to the UN’s Common Pledge for Women’s Participation, the UN Multi-Faith Advisory Council are hosting a webinar, “A Common Pledge: Advancing the Unique Role of Women and Young Women of Faith Mediators,” in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

The event will amplify the critical and often unrecognized contributions of women and young women of faith mediators who bring unique insights, moral authority, and trusted leadership to resolving conflicts.

Join the Multi-Faith Advisory Council on Thursday, October 30 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT to hear from women of faith on mediation, learn about their best practices, and explore concrete strategies for advancing women’s meaningful participation in mediation processes.

#ACommonPledge #Faith4WomenInMediation

Salaam Community!

Please join us for a virtual gathering! We'll be welcoming a guest speaker who recently returned from the West Bank after volunteering as an international witness and protective presence. We'll hear about the realities Palestinians face on the ground, the International Solidarity Movement, and creative ways to get involved.

New members and familiar faces welcome! Join the zoom call from wherever you're comfortable, grab your tea or coffee, and learn about an important topic in the company of other progressive Muslims.

Join MPV-Boston the last weekend of every month for a community watch party featuring Muslim-themed TV shows and movies (think We Are Lady Parts, Mo, and more!). This month, we’ll be screening Polite Society, an action-comedy film about British-Pakistani teen Ria Khan who dreams of becoming a movie stuntwoman and sets out to save her sister Lena after she decides to give up her dreams to get married. We’ll gather together on Sunday, October 26 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM for the watch party at the PSF Community Center in the New Balance Room.

MPV LA - Queer Muslims and Allies Brunch

Salaam friends! Join us in the historic queer neighborhood of Retro Row (Fourth St) in Long Beach. We'll have brunch at The Social List. Here's the menu.

And, here's the venue address:
The Social List
2105 E. Fourth Street
Long Beach 90814
(562) 433-5478

As always, DM Arisha in the Meetup App with questions ;)

ICUJP Friday Forum - Ani Zonneveld - An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist

Ani Zonneveld will read excerpts from her memoir An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist and connect it to her work, as well as talk about how ICUJP and George Regas helped her in her faith. 

Join the conversation with our speaker:

Ani Zonneveld is a Grammy-certified songwriter, activist, and founder of Muslims for Progressive Values. She champions women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and freedom of expression through faith, music, and advocacy.

Agenda

7:30 - 7:35  Log in and socialize
7:35 - 7:45  Welcome and introductions 
7:45 - 7:50  Reflection (5 min. maximum)
7:50 - 9:15  Program and Q&A
9:15 - 9:20  Announcements
9:20 - 9:30  Closing circle and prayer

Start your morning with us! 
Facilitator: Rick Banales
Reflector: Carolfrances Likins

Join the MPV Great Lakes Chapter for their monthly virtual meeting on October 19 at 7:00 PM CT. Join the meeting here.

MPV LA x IQRA Virtual Qur’an Chat

Please join MPV LA x IQRA on Sunday, October 19 for our monthly virtual Qur’an Chat. We’ll be gathering together virtually at 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET to continue reading from Surah Yusuf.

About the IQRA group

We gather virtually or in-person to discuss the Quran. The group aims to be an inclusive space to connect to, struggle with, and grow from the sacred and deeply lyrical text while exploring the gamut of possible interpretations (whether progressivist, shia, modernist, sunni, feminist, sufi, queer, or salafi). Core to this endeavor is a commitment to 1) recognizing the historic multiplicity of Muslim interpretation and 2) embracing the diversity of our own personal experiences and understandings. In this process, we will differ and disagree - it's only natural! Let's embrace that and grow from one another.

Ground rules

Bring your whole selves into the conversation. Be respectful. Share air time so everyone has an opportunity to speak. There are no silly questions. Each of us are at different places of our spiritual journey and we look forward to supporting each other wherever we may be. No level of familiarity or knowledge of Arabic is required.

MPV's Progressive Islam Curriculum Workshop - Gender Equality in Islam Part 1 

The 8th workshop in the Progressive Islam Curriculum Workshop Series will cover Lessons 1 and 2 of the Progressive Islam Curriculum's Unit 5 "Gender Equality in Islam", applying progressive hermeneutics to issues that impact gender equality in Muslims communities around the world. Participants will be introduced to an approach to Freedom of Religion and Belief that actively affirms women’s rights, rather than impedes feminist movements across the world and to four core Islamic principles that protect Muslim women’s right to bodily autonomy.  

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 

Time: 7:00 PM PT | 9:00 PM CT | 10:00 PM ET

Registration Fee: $15 donation to Muslims for Progressive Values' Public Education Fund to compensate our educator with the benefit of an interactive question and answer session. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available for you. 

*Pay your registration fee here*

About the Registration Fee:

We want our educational resources to be as accessible as possible but we also believe in compensating our educators and the people who make these educational programs possible. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the $15 donation to MPV, please reach out to us at info@mpvusa.org before registering so we can confirm if we have a sponsorship available to you. 

If you have the ability to and would like to sponsor an individual's attendance for the workshop, please make a donation of $30 and add a note to your donation signaling that you are sponsoring a community member's registration fee.

about the educator

Kendra Cordova (they/them) is a revert Muslim. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing and their background includes advanced language and composition, storytelling, literary analysis, world literature, and training as a spiritual life coach. 

Kendra was raised with a strict religious education within the Catholic Church, but didn't feel that the teachings reflected their belief in God's compassion and love. They went on to spend time studying world religions and spent years with New Age movements. These teachings were full of healing and compassion, but were still missing an important aspect: the Oneness of God.

In 2019 Kendra was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and felt drawn to study Islam. After reading the Quran and a few years of study, they knew they had found the truth in Islam and converted at the end of 2021.

As a queer person (nonbinary asexual panromantic), and the mother of two special needs children, Kendra has been inspired by the beauty of the Quran and the core Islamic principles including social justice, fostering a personal relationship with God, and the celebration of diversity in God's creation. They have incorporated Islam into their creative life as well, writing sufi poetry and including Islamic imagery in their paintings which have been featured in juries exhibitions in the U.S.

As a host for MPV, Kendra hopes to share the progressive message of Islam and help Muslims who have often felt marginalized in the community to feel seen, heard, and loved through sharing Islamic stories, analyzing scholarly research, and encouraging viewers to share their stories, too.

You can contact Kendra at mpvwithkendra@gmail.com

MPV Boston Diwali-eid dinner

Please join MPV Boston x the South Asian Center for an upcoming ✨Diwali-Eid Dinner ✨

We’ll be gathering in community on Friday, October 4 at 6:00 - 9:00 PM at Reservoir Church 

The event is free and all are welcome to attend but we ask that all interested individuals please RSVP here to confirm attendance. We are also looking for volunteers and performers to showcase their talent throughout the evening!

Looking forward to a vibrant evening of community, fun, and dancing!