Stonewall National Museum President & CEO Robert Kesten Named to Out Magazine's 31st Annual OUT100 List

Robert Kesten, President and CEO of Ft. Lauderdale's Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL, https://stonewall-museum.org/), has been selected as an honoree of the 31st annual Out100 list, Out magazine's (https://www.out.com/) annual recognition of the most influential and pioneering LGBTQ+ individuals across entertainment, politics, activism, sports, and more. Kesten has been recognized for his remarkable contributions to preserving LGBTQ+ history as well as vocal efforts to fight erasure, furthering equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

Prior to his role as Executive Director and later President and CEO, Kesten dedicated much of his career to human rights action, including writing and producing an award winning documentary on the Holocaust at Concentration Camps in Poland, working on the redrafting of the Ghanaian Constitution, coordinating and producing events leading to Ukrainian independence, producing events for the first AIDS day treatment center in the nation, pushing for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ukraine (the first Soviet Republic to do so), challenging book banning, fighting for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools, and navigating anti-LGBTQ sentiments both in his home state of Florida as well as nationally. Kesten also worked on the West Bank during the Intifada and was brought into Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring to establish human rights cities and understanding.

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. The highlighting of contributions of those who are proud of not just their identity but understand the importance of fighting back against a system that wants to push us out of the American story. 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!", speaks to the LGBTQ+ individuals who continue to lead with resilience, courage, and joy in the face of adversity. Robert Kesten joins an illustrious list of trailblazers who have significantly impacted the world, both within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. This year's list also includes Icon of the Year and cover star Niecy Nash-Betts, along with music artists Doechii, G Flip, Frankie Grande, and Brooke Eden; esteemed actors/actresses Rosie O'Donnell, Keke Palmer, Jeff Hiller, Miles Heizer, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Bre-Z, Tonatiuh, Tramell Tillman, Lukas Gage, Anna Camp; drag stars Bob the Drag Queen, Suzie Toot, Ginger Minj; comedians Caleb Hearon, Meg Stalter, Benito Skinner, Owen Thiele, Matt Rogers, Amber Ruffin; professional athletes Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman, Tobin Heath, and Christen Press reality TV stars Ariana Madix and Chrishell Stause; fashion icons Bob Mackie and Paul Tazewell; political figures Rep. Sarah McBride, Precious Brady-Davis, and more.

The honorees will be celebrated at the annual Out100 event on November 21, 2025, at nya studios WEST in Hollywood, where icons and allies will come together to honor those who have made an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community. The event will feature Kesten alongside fellow honorees for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition.

The Out100 is proudly presented by Lexus, with additional support from McDonald's, Deutsche Bank, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Heineken, Hornitos, AIX Rosé, and official hotel partner Visit West Hollywood. The Out100 TV Special, produced in collaboration with ABC Owned Television Stations, will air on December 20, 2025, across linear, streaming, and digital platforms.

View the full Out100 honoree list HERE (https://www.out.com/out100) and Kesten's full feature HERE (https://www.out.com/out100/2025/innovators/robert-kesten). The digital version is available and the print edition will hit newsstands on October 28, 2025.

ABOUT STONEWALL NATIONAL MUSEUM, ARCHIVES, & LIBRARY:
Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library is one of the largest and most significant LGBTQ+ museums and archives and has carried the name Stonewall for more consecutive years than any other organization in the world. For more than five decades, SNMAL has fought for equality by tirelessly releasing powerful messages, hosting dynamic events, launching a solutions-driven task force in Washington DC, mobilizing educators in its national education project, recognizing leaders and heroes and providing an inexhaustible historic record of achievements, even in the face of prejudice and hate. SNMAL houses millions of pages of records and materials available to the media, drawing direct lines from our nation's history to today.

Stonewall National Museum will hold its 3rd annual Back to the Drive Celebration, with special guest Eugene Daniels, MSNBC's Senior Washington Correspondent and co-host of The Weekend, on October 23rd, 2025, 6pm at The Venue, Wilton Manors. SNMAL will also be launching its 'Go Where You're Not Wanted' tour this month in Sarasota and Miami.

Major support for the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Outreach and Advocacy Support: Ted Arison Family Foundation, The Our Fund Foundation, Gamma Mu Foundation, Warten Foundation, Inc. Miami Heat, Darden Family Fund, Seacoast Bank Major Media Partner: HotSpots! Magazine, Happening Out Television Network Media & Community Partners: OutSFL, Edge Media Network, OutClique, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Ladybug Fertilization & Pest Control, GayTravelMaps.com, Broward Arts Calendar, Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

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ABOUT OUT MAGAZINE:
Through a provocative blend of fashion, pop culture, and journalism, drawing on a rich pool of creative and literary talent, Out inspires readers to consider the ever-evolving meaning of gay. Audiences and brands clamor for Out's unique perspective on style, entertainment, the arts, current events, and travel. In print, online, through video, and across social, if it's in it's Out.

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This release was published on openPR.