In Fort Lauderdale, the Stonewall National Museum’s President and CEO, Robert Kesten, has been named to Out Magazine’s 31st annual Out100 list. The list celebrates changemakers shaping the LGBTQ+ community across entertainment, politics, activism, and more. Kesten was recognized for his leadership at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library and his tireless advocacy for equality and visibility. Throughout his career, he has fought for human rights — from helping redraft Ghana’s constitution to pushing for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ukraine, producing events for the nation’s first AIDS day treatment center, and challenging book bans and anti-LGBTQ movements in the U.S. and abroad. Kesten said, “It is an honor to be included with some of the most visible and active members of our community in this year’s celebration…We have so much work to do to secure that bright future we all know to be possible, and I am certain, as there is a rainbow after the storm, we will overcome.” This year’s Out100 theme, “Bolder, Brighter!”, celebrates resilience and joy in the face of adversity. Honorees will be celebrated on November 21 in Hollywood, with a televised special airing December 20 on ABC platforms. Kesten told Queer News Tonight Executive Producer Al Ferguson, “Stonewall is pushing the envelope on all fronts. Our new Go Where You Are Not Wanted tour will begin this week to say we all must represent in a new way.”
