COURTESY
Innovators
The 2025 Out100: Robert Kesten
These are the LGBTQ+ people making the world bolder and brighter in 2025.
Robert Kesten serves as the president and CEO of the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, and Library in Florida, which has one of the largest queer archives in the country. He calls himself “the collector and sharer of our community's stories, history, and culture.”
The archivist has worked for decades in human rights, from the breakup of the Soviet Union to the Arab Spring. He’s also produced and written a documentary on the Holocaust, produced concerts at top venues in the U.S., and has even briefed the White House.
Kesten’s philosophy that helped him accomplish so much is simple: “I will never ask someone to do something that I will not do myself.”
With Ron DeSantis as governor during a Donald Trump presidency, Kesten says funding cuts have been an obstacle. However, the organization continues to thrive. “We as a community hold our destiny in our own hands. That is a great responsibility, but it is also a real privilege,” he says. @stonewallarchive
ARLIM GUERRERO
Moises Mendez IIMoises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more.
Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Moises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more. Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Moises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more. Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
The 2025 Out100: Thomas Vince
These are the LGBTQ+ people making the world bolder and brighter in 2025.
ARLIM GUERRERO
As chief digital and marketing officer for L’Oréal USA’s Consumer Products Division, Thomas Vince leads marketing and digital transformation across the company s diverse portfolio of iconic brands like L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline, and Garnier. “My work sits at the intersection of culture and creativity,” he explains. “I push our brands to make sure we reflect the world we live in by bringing stories to life where all identities are represented and celebrated.”
Supporting the Ali Forney Center and Lambda Legal as well as sponsoring Pride marches and WNBA athletes is part of Vince s strategy. “We are constantly championing campaigns and partnerships that spotlight intersectional LGBTQ+ voices and expand representation in ways that drive change,” Vince says.
The cosmetics executive seeks to usher in a new era of beauty by breaking down barriers and providing access to everyone. “My mission is to create stories, campaigns, and moments where everyone feels visible, valued, and beautiful. I want the world to know that representation is not just possible, it’s powerful.” @lorealparis