Robert Kesten has spent the last 20 years working on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights globally.
This work included Ukrainian independence, where he successfully encouraged the Ukrainian government to decriminalize homosexuality. He conceived of the UN Decade on Human Rights Education, approved unanimously by the UN General Assembly, and worked on human rights in Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring. He worked on Capitol Hill for top officials of the US government.
Prior to the above, he worked in Hollywood as an actor in five feature films, had a nightclub act in Beverly Hills, and established the largest film festival in the state of Connecticut. He has been the Executive Director of Stonewall Museum for a year and a half.
Prior Related Employment and/or Education: President of AFTAP/PDHRE.
Mission Statement: Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library is a safe, welcoming place that inspires and promotes understanding through collecting, preserving, and sharing the proud culture of LGBTQIA+ people of all stories and their significant role in American society.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?
Providing information that leads people to feel tremendous pride in our community and in themselves.
What would you say is the most challenging part of your job?
Doing all that needs to be done to make sure the organization's mission is realized, and our community is fully served.
What would be a “dream come true” for your organization?
A new building.
Where would you like to see your organization in 10 years?
In a space that allows us to fulfill our mission as a modern museum, archives, and library, able to touch the hearts and minds of people across the nation and around the world.
RELATED
