Fear is real but resolve is stronger. As the Stonewall Museum National Archive & Library faces funding cuts and a hostile government, the organization is fighting on.

On March 1 at The Venue in Wilton Manors, Stonewall will hold its annual gala. The timing could not be more important and the need could not be greater.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) sent Stonewall an email saying the museum will not get any more funding. All projects must focus around the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is next year.

“It’s not the specific amount, it’s the ripple effect,” Stonewall Executive Director Robert Kesten said. “It’s that the government, for the first time I can remember, has moved our corporate donors away from giving to us. They are changing their requirements.”

Kesten says the success of the gala is key to continuing local and national programs.

The theme is Standing On the Shoulders Of Heroes, and a trio of impactful people are being honored.

At a time when the far-right is trying to get the U.S. Supreme Court to end marriage equality nationally, one of the women who made it happen will remind us what we’re fighting for. The late Edie Windsor, the namesake case of United States v Windsor, will be a Heroes inductee.

Her case rolled back federal restrictions on marriage recognition, the infamous Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA. Her widow, Judith Kasen-Windsor, will attend and accept on her behalf.

Also being honored is Tristan Schukraft, known in the community as “The CEO of Everything Gay.” He is a technology entrepreneur turned hotelier, nightlife aficionado, and producer. He founded MISTR, a telemedicine platform for HIV care, and produced “Drag: The Musical.”

Special guest for the evening is iconic swimmer Diana Nyad. She is expected to make a big announcement during the gala.

For more info on the gala and to buy tickets, visit Stonewall-Museum.org/Gala2025.