Fort Lauderdale, FL – Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL), When forces align against you, you call on experience to shine a light in the face of danger. One of the eldest and most significant LGBTQ+ institutions in the world was prepared to take on that challenge as the organization headed into its ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes’ Gala on March 1, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The LGBTQ+ organization already hit by governmental cuts to its budget over political and culture war issues had low expectations for success.
Since January 20th, the LGBTQ+ community has been pummeled by executive orders removing civil rights with specific attention against the trans community, prompting long-standing business partners and foundations to “ghost” the Gala and SNMAL in a seemingly catastrophic blow to this historic, 52-year-old nonprofit as it suddenly struggled to meet table and ticket sale benchmarks. But the packed event, and those that have since followed, tell another story.
Leading up to the Gala, detailed news reports recognized the Museum’s important work in the community, as well as triggered additional news stories and coverage nationwide. As the story spread, so did an unprecedented level of support- more than 300 guests and VIPS including ‘CEO of Everything Gay’ Tristan Schukraft, Celebrity Athlete Diana Nyad, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Feminist Icon Eleanor Pam, and NY Socialite/Global Raconteur David Hochberg, attended the high-energy celebration.
“The emotional impact of those stories prompted and inspired new-to-Stonewall-people to buy tickets and show up in support of this invaluable library, archive and museum that’s been preserving history and serving the community for more than five decades,” stated Robert Kesten, President & CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library. “The extraordinary sense of goodwill and support we received cannot be understated. While dark times may be ahead, the Gala was a reminder of what we can overcome when we stand together and stand together, we did.”
The Gala’s support and success were far from a one-off occasion. Days later on March 8th, SNMAL hosted the opening reception for the “Edie Windsor: Marriage Equality and the Supreme Court” exhibit, which followed the Gala’s posthumous induction of Edie into the Museum’s ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes’ National Traveling Exhibition.
Edie’s widow, Judith Kasen Windsor, reminded the packed house of attendees about Edie’s larger-than-life fearlessness and the passion that fueled her iconic Supreme Court fight, overturning the Defense of Marriage Act and achieving federal recognition of same-sex marriages. This was another example of Stonewall informing and preparing the community for action based on history and success in the face of prejudice.
“With gay marriage once again coming under attack by the federal government, it is essential for us to remember how we came together to achieve success in the past,” stated Kesten. “That spirit and undying determination for equality held by millions before us is needed in today’s world. Edie’s story, and the support from those who attended, is a prime example of what we are fighting to protect for future generations.”
On March 11th, not even halfway through the month, the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library welcomed its third packed house. With standing room only, the Museum’s author interview and signing with award-winning Hollywood comedy legend Bruce Vilanch spurred interest from media across the U.S. The evening also sold out of books, further highlighting the unexpected turnout.
Kesten added, “Bruce Vilanch’s unique style has inspired decades of American comedy, but maybe more importantly, it has inspired generations of advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Bruce reminded the audience just how important it is to laugh and fight to protect our history and culture, families and friends.”
“Every day since January 20th has caused dismay and for some fear and panic, but for those of us seasoned in the struggle for human and civil rights, we understand the long game and that we are part of a tradition of human rights movements. we are not easily intimidated and on those quiet mornings when I am alone with the library and archives, I can feel a certain energy that comes from a century of heroes who have fought these battles before and won.”
“For over 50 years, we have been a standard bearer protecting and sharing the stories and lives of our families and friends. Being edited out, erased, from history and everyday life is not an option. Today we raise that flag higher.”
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.
Human Rights Advocate and SNMAL Executive Director Robert Kesten’s advocacy has taken many forms, working on 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, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools and navigating anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Kesten also worked on the West Bank during the Intifada and was brought into Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring to try and establish human rights cities. Philadelphia Inquirer, Miami Herald, Washington Press, Sun-Sentinel, PBS, Florida Atlantic University International Human Rights Symposium, Herald-Tribune, and more.
