The Gender and Sexuality Committee passed two resolutions on Wednesday: GEN-07, which provides financial support for a biennial gathering for LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians, and GEN-02, “Access to Healthcare,” declaring all individuals have access to “all medically necessary, evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare.” The latter overture passed after more than three hours of discussion, with an added amendment and comment.
A biennial in-person gathering for queer Presbyterians
Resolution GEN-07 passed overwhelmingly, 55-9, and, if approved by the assembly, means the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will now incorporate a biennial, in-person national gathering for LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians into its ongoing programmatic life. Furthermore, the church will ensure that no less than $100,000 in dedicated funding, distinct from existing program budgets for ongoing LGBTQIA+ ministry, is incorporated into the 2027–2028 budget cycle and each subsequent biennial budget cycle.
The resolution was recommended by the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E). The budget will support planning and operations for the national gathering as well as scholarships and travel assistance, with particular attention to equitable access for LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians of color and transgender participants.
During Wednesday’s committee hearing, there were questions about the resolution’s ripple effect on the budget and whether other groups could receive the same benefits.
“I want to make sure my vote will support all groups to seek this funding,” said Lisa Chase, a teaching elder commissioner (TEC) from the Presbytery of Carlisle.
“Are there other groups receiving funding to gather biennially?” she asked, expressing a concern repeated by several others.
“I think we might be careful of the precedent we are setting up,” said one elder.
The rationale for the resolution says, “Voluntary contributions, grants and sponsorships would be sought. Presbyteries and synods would be encouraged to consider hosting regional LGBTQIA+ gatherings and to explore contextually appropriate ways of creating spaces of belonging and connection for LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians within their regions.”
After some discussion, Tim Hartworth, an ACQ+E resource person, said that part of the rationale for the recommended resolution came from the results of a 2025 denomination-wide survey of LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians and allies. More than 300 people responded to the survey.
“The number one need identified by that group was coming together and a national gathering,” Hartworth said.
“These gatherings function not only as fellowship, but as faithful communal discernment that enables ACQ+E to hear directly from LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians and bring those concerns responsibly to the General Assembly.”
The written rationale stated: “These gatherings function not only as fellowship, but as faithful communal discernment that enables ACQ+E to hear directly from LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians and bring those concerns responsibly to the General Assembly.”
Attendees offered personal testimonies during the hearing.
Ruth Hazleton, a ruling elder from Glacier Presbytery, spoke of her beloved grandson coming out and her desire for such a gathering for him. Alexandra Klemp-North, a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD) from Winnebago, Minnesota, said although she grew up in a supportive environment, “I know many peers who would benefit.”
The resolution will send the message that all people are truly welcome and there is a safe place for them, supporters said.
Access to medically necessary, evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare
Later in the afternoon, after a lengthy discussion, the committee passed GEN-02 with an amendment and comment to the original proposal. The final “Access to Healthcare” resolution now declares: “that the PC(USA) supports all individuals to have access to all medically necessary, evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare.”
The original proposal included the words “including minors” after “individuals.”
It was the YAADs who initially objected to the word “including minors.” One YAAD who helped draft the amendment opposing the use of “including minors” said a group of youths stayed up the night before discussing the issue and making suggestions.
Lydia Cheek, a YAAD from the Presbytery of New Harmony, explained, “In my congregation, if that word (minor) was used, it would be an automatic red flag.”
What followed the motion to remove “including minors,” was a thoughtful, patient, and respectful offering of reasons, testimonies and listening. Some speakers supported the “Access to Healthcare” resolution as originally written, but feared that the inclusion of “minor” would undermine support for the recommendation; others, however, wished to address misunderstandings around the suggested wording amendment.
At one point, Mark Facknitz, a ruling elder commissioner from Shenandoah Presbytery, objected to the amendment, explaining, “I think it is time to bury it,” alluding to the hesitancy to use “including minors.”
“I have a queer daughter who is reluctant to return to the United States,” he said. Still, Facknitz seemed to say he would nevertheless support the rewording of the amendment. “I’m an English teacher, but I’m not going to base my decision on one word.”
The attendees seemed to concur that it was important to include a comment expressing the passion and concerns of YAAD members and explaining the removal of the words. The comment reads: “The Gender and Sexuality Justice Committee chose to remove the phrase ‘including minors’ from the recommendation at the request of young people who did not want to see this overture misused to cause more harm to transgender minors. This phrase was removed with the clear understanding that ‘all individuals’ does, in fact, include people of all ages.”
Attendees also raised concerns about other non-insured church members and therefore added a suggestion to the resolution: “Direct the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy to update relevant health care policy, such as ‘Resolution on Advocacy on Behalf of the Uninsured,’ to reflect GEN-02 and other current health care concerns, to be brought to the 228th General Assembly (2028).”
The resolution passed 50-10 and will be approved during the GA227 plenaries in Milwaukee, June 28-July 2. The committee meeting ended with reflections and worship.
