How Collective Memory & Action Can Redefine Human Rights - Robert Kesten's Vision

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

Today we’re joined by Robert Kesten, an international human rights advocate and executive director of the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, and Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since 2022, Robert has been leading one of the most important LGBTQ+ history institutions in the world, preserving over 50 years of queer legacy and confronting growing anti-LGBTQ+ attacks across the U.S.

Robert’s global work includes contributing to Ghana’s constitution, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine, supporting human rights movements across the Arab world, and producing an award-winning Holocaust documentary.

In this powerful episode, Robert shares a visionary call to action rooted in collective memory, compassion, and human rights. If you've ever wondered how your voice, your story, or your presence can shape the future—we invite you to listen in.

ABOUT GUEST:

Robert Kesten, President/CEO, Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library. Mr. Kesten leads one of the world’s largest and most significant historical institutions of its kind; for 50+ years, Stonewall National Museum has fought tirelessly to preserve history and culture by fearlessly releasing powerful messages, hosting dynamic weekly events, launching a solutions-driven task force in Washington DC, creating dynamic national traveling exhibitions, 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.  

Prior to Stonewall National Museum, Kesten’s human rights advocacy took many forms, including writing and producing an award winning documentary on the Holocaust at Concentration Camps in Poland, 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. 

Robert Kesten often shares his expert perspective with national and local media, including Reuters, Associated Press, ABC Miami, Philadelphia Inquirer, Miami Herald OpEds (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), South Florida Sun Sentinel OpEds (1, 2, 3),  The Advocate, National Geographic, South Florida PBS, Global Peace Alliance, Washington Press, Herald-Tribune, CBNation ,CBSMiami and many more.

Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library houses millions of pages of records and materials drawing direct lines from our nation’s history to today.

KEY NOTES: LGBTQ+ People Have Always Been Part of History Why Is Love Still a Battleground? What Democracy Really Means (And What It Requires of Us) Leadership, Courage, and the Power of Everyday Voices Are Human Rights Ever Truly Free? Why It’s Not Too Late to Reclaim Our Power

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode trailer 02:18 - Intro 02:24 - Robert’s Life Journey 04:42 - Why Defend Human Rights Everywhere? 09:17 - What Is Democracy?  14:24 - Do We All Lead, or Do We Follow the Ones Who Dare? 23:09 - Are Human Rights Free? 26:25 - Do We Still Have Power or Ist It a Lost Cause? 36:18 - How To Keep The Hope Going? 40:14 - Is Corporate Allyship Genuine, Or Just Good for Business? 46:45 - Can a Museum Change You? Inside the Fight to Make History Matter 53:45 - How Donuts and Conversation Fuel Historical Literacy and Collective Resilience 57:59 - Why Do We Still Fight Love?  01:00:29 - LGBTQ+ People Have Always Existed 01:09:30 - If