MLP September 2025 Newsletter!

In This Issue *Staff Update: A note from Claudia and Jesy *Upcoming Events *Welcome our new churches! *A word from our partners *MLP Merch! *Donate Today

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

If you don’t know me, you are about to know a whole lot about me in just a few minutes. When I was 13, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). You can research the symptoms on your own, but in summary, it sucks. My OBGYN prescribed hormones, specifically, birth control to regulate the symptoms. I took hormones for a few years, and symptoms improved. Hormone therapy and gender-affirming care for a cis person have saved my life (literally, since deep depression was one of the symptoms). As I read how states are limiting youth access to gender-affirming care, I think of my 13 year-old self and what would have happened to her without gender-affirming care: how many parties would I have missed because of excruciating pain? How much more insecure would I have been because of the thick facial hair my PCOS could have caused? How much sooner would I have developed insulin resistance?  And I know that gender-affirming care for cisgender people is not the same. And I know it presents less resistance from the general public and legislators. Sometimes we take for granted the access we have to the care we need. But sometimes the care we have received makes us realize that everyone deserves access to the care they need. Let’s advocate for queer youth and the gender-affirming care they need.  -Claudia

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

Hello, September. I am glad to see you! August was a lot—in MLP's life, in the world—just a lot.   I spent the last week in knots. It was the first week of school, and my little family was bracing for the worst. The last quarter of my son's Kindergarten year was rough for various reasons — mental health concerns, his class schedule changing every other day, and a team (minus his primary teacher) that didn't understand him and openly expressed resentment for the amount of care/effort they had to extend (which in the grand scheme wasn't extravagant or outside of the realm contracted care). In meetings and moments like those, I was thankful for my wife, Sara, a 14-year veteran Special Education teacher. She spoke to them with experience, poise, and a sharp edge that clearly said, "You really don't want to come for me and my family. Because I will own you." We are both the fiercest advocates for our kid, but when I was ready to go off, Sara spoke into the room with knowledge and privilege I didn't have.    This year, his team shifted, and while we were initially surprised by this, it was ultimately the best thing. My son had a fantastic first week—no negative reports, no concerned calls home, no meltdowns or panic attacks. I got texts and emails from his teachers, past and present, saying how awesome his days have been and how they are proud of him and his response to all the change.   I am thankful that my wife could speak a language my son's team understood, ultimately shifting the landscape for this school year. Still, one of the things I appreciated most about Sara was that she always ensured that there was space for my voice. She didn't talk over me, she didn't push herself ahead, she didn't tell me to calm down or to be quiet or to let her handle things. We were in this together, each with different skills and gifts to bring to the table. When we felt out the vibe of the room, we knew how we needed to proceed.  How are you able to speak into spaces where advocacy is needed? Are you lifting the voices of the most vulnerable, without talking over them? In what ways is your privilege an asset to combating systems of White Supremacy?    -Jesy

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming up!!   September 8th: Our First More Light Monday! Supporting our Trans Siblings!  Nov. 18-20: National Queer Gathering!

Sign up for our first conversation with MLP Board members, Kate Davoli (they/them) and Avery Arden (they/them) on the topic of supporting our Trans siblings! Sign Up Here

2025 NATIONAL QUEER PRESBYTERIAN GATHERING Join folks from across the PC(USA) Nov. 18-20, 2025, for three days of interactive workshops and community building as we gather queer Presbyterians in love, restoration and power. Together, we will: Explore the needs of our community Determine the actions we need from our churches, leaders, and General Assembly and; Strategize on a collective plan to move the Presbyterian denomination forward. Where: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Center 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY Registration: Visit pcusa.org/nqpg Fees (event only): $75 (Waived for BIPOC and trans/GNC folk) Click the link to register: https://pcusa.org/nqpg If you have any questions, contact: Mikyle Johnson, mikyle.johnson@pcusa.org

Welcome our Newest MLP Ministries

Rejoice with us as we welcome new ministries to the MLP network! At the end of each quarter, we will list our newest members so you can shower them with love.  Cary Presbyterian Church, Cary NC.  Kenmore Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, NY First Presbyterian Church, Jeffersonville, IN Marshall Presbyterian Church, Marshall, NC Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison, WI Balmoral Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN Dunn's Corners Community Church, Presbyterian, Westerly, RI

A Word from Our Partners!

University Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, LA has voted to call the Rev. Erin Tolar to serve as their associate pastor.  Let’s rejoice with our siblings from University Presbyterian!

Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways: *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work. *Donate! We educate individuals and congregations, offer pastoral care to queer people and the ones who love them, we guide congregations as they seek to discern best steps, we advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and in the public arena. We can’t do it without your help. *In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.  *Do you have pictures of various LGBTQIA+ related events that you or your congregation have participated in? Let us highlight them! Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org  *We are trying to collect a list of all of our former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board or do you know someone who has served on our board? Send us an email or fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon.

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Our Contact Information More Light Presbyterians P.O. Box 735764 Chicago, IL 60673 (720) 288-0838 http://www.mlp.org