Courtesy of The Neon Museum Collection

In 1981, the first documented cases of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) were reported in the United States. What followed was not only a public health crisis, but a wave of fear, misinformation, and stigma. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS, was poorly understood in those early years. Hysteria often overshadowed science, and harmful stereotypes were perpetuated, particularly against the LGBTQ+ community.

By 1983, the first documented case of AIDS had reached Las Vegas. As diagnoses increased and anxiety spread, so too did the urgent need for education, compassion, and tangible support. That same year, AFAN (Aid for AIDS of Nevada), was established to raise awareness and provide direct relief to those affected by the disease. At a time when many individuals were abandoned by institutions and even their own families, AFAN stepped forward to offer care, advocacy, and hope.

Stardust Hotel and Casino c. 1970’s, Anthony Bondi Collection, The Neon Museum

But building that support system was not without its challenges. In the mid-1980s, stigma surrounding AIDS remained intense. When AFAN sought a venue for its Superstar Aid for AIDS Benefit, many major downtown properties declined to host the event. It was ultimately the iconic Stardust Resort and Casino that opened its doors in 1987.

The decision would prove historic. The benefit was a massive success, raising more than $14,000, nearly $40,000 when adjusted for inflation. Beyond the dollars, the event signaled something even more powerful: a public stand of solidarity in a moment when silence and fear were far more common.

Today, as we look back at a photograph of the Stardust from the 1970’s, we are reminded that the fight against HIV/AIDS was carried not only by activists and healthcare workers, but also by community members and businesses willing to lead with courage. In one ballroom on the Strip, compassion outweighed fear, and Las Vegas took an important step forward.

Portions of this article, and imagery from The Neon Museum Las Vegas’ collection have been reprinted with permission of the The Neon Museum Las Vegas. To read the article in its original format, and find others, visit: neonmuseum.org

This article was originally published in the 2026 Women & LGBTQIA+ Visibility Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.