Looking Back at the Gay History of Vegas

Las Vegas is a town not known for relishing its history, preferring bulldozing and implosions to preservations. But with Pride season upon us, the city's Neon Museum is including Vegas LGBT history in its guided tours. With the help of Dennis McBride, the director of the Nevada State Museum, the Neon Museum is reminding visitors that LGBTs had a part in making the young city the fabulous place it is now. Take a walk down memory lane below: 

Image above: Starbust: the Superstar Aid for AIDS Benefit, sponsored by Aid for AIDS of Nevada, took place in the Continental Theatre at the Stardust on June 14, 1987, and featured numerous celebrity performers.
 

Sahara: On November 3, 1953, controversial transgender performer Christine Jorgensen, billed as “The World’s Most Talked-about Personality,” opened in the Sahara Hotel’s Congo Room.
 

Silver Slipper: Boylesque opens at the Silver Slipper Casino’s Gaiety Theatre on Friday, May 13, 1977, setting a new standard for female impersonation productions.


El Cortez: In November 1953, world-famous impersonator Lynne Carter, noted for his dead-on impersonations of female icons such as Pearl Bailey, opened in the Pirate’s Den lounge at the downtown El Cortez Hotel and Casino.
 

Flamingo (pink feathers): In July 1970 famed female impersonator and five-time Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year Jim Bailey, best known for his Judy Garland impersonation, opened in the Flamingo Casino Theatre where he performed to sold-out audiences.

See more pictures of Neon Museum Archives on the next page.