Robert Kesten Illuminates LGBTQ History Through the Stonewall Museum

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Robert Kesten, a seasoned human rights advocate with an impressive history of activism, is now leading one of the world’s most significant LGBTQ institutions: the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As its executive director, Kesten oversees a collection that spans decades, safeguarding the rich history and culture of the LGBTQ community while fostering education and understanding.

The Stonewall Museum is not just a repository of historical documents—it’s a celebration of resilience. Established in 1973, its origins trace back to a 17-year-old who was inspired by the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. What began as a small collection of books has evolved into an institution housing millions of items, including personal documents, government records, photographs, and artifacts. "We have everything from Nancy Pelosi’s gavel that rang in the end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to Ricky Martin’s leather pants," Kesten shares with a smile. The archives stretch as far back as the 1940s, preserving the contributions of LGBTQ individuals and the interconnectedness of their stories with broader movements like civil rights, labor, and feminism.

For Kesten, the Stonewall Museum is more than a collection of artifacts—it’s a beacon for inclusivity. "The LGBTQ community exists in every other community," he emphasizes. "We’re in every family, every profession, every religion. The idea that we’re separate is a myth." This interconnectedness shapes the museum’s mission to educate the public and celebrate the LGBTQ community as an integral part of American history.

Kesten’s career reflects his passion for advocacy on a global scale. From producing an award-winning documentary on the Holocaust to supporting Ukraine’s decriminalization of homosexuality during its break from the Soviet Union, Kesten has worked tirelessly to promote equality. "When I arrived in Ukraine, I quickly realized how marginalized LGBTQ individuals were," he recalls. "I told their leaders, ‘You can’t claim independence and simultaneously oppress your own people.’ Within days, Ukraine became the first Soviet Republic to decriminalize homosexuality."

As the Stonewall Museum’s leader, Kesten continues to champion progress while confronting challenges in the United States. Despite gains like marriage equality, he acknowledges the resurgence of anti-LGBTQ legislation and sentiment. "It’s easier to divide than to unite," he observes. "Fear drives people to resist change, but progress is inevitable, and the LGBTQ community is integral to that evolution."

One of the museum’s primary goals is education. Through exhibits, programs, and digital outreach, Stonewall works to dispel myths, promote understanding, and connect people to the humanity behind the history. "We’re not just preserving LGBTQ history," Kesten explains. "We’re preserving a part of everyone’s history. When you walk through the museum, you see how deeply intertwined we all are. It’s a reminder that acceptance strengthens us all."

Under Kesten’s leadership, the Stonewall Museum stands as a testament to courage, progress, and unity. By honoring the past and educating for the future, it ensures that the fight for equality remains alive in the hearts and minds of all who visit.

For more information, visit Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library.