1981: An immunodeficiency disorder is identified in several gay men with a rare form of pneumonia. A link is formed between their identities and conditions, as the news refers to it as "gay cancer".
1983: The AIDS epidemic is becomes a top priority for national and international health agencies, with over 1500 cases and an over 33% mortality rate.
1985: "High risk" sites, businesses specifically intended for the gay community, are forced to close. Reagan publicly acknowledges AIDS for the first time.
1987: Larry Kramer founds ACT UP to further AIDS activism. It has been called the most health activist group ever.
1989: Over 100,000 cases of AIDS have been found in the United States.
1994: AIDS is the number one cause of death for 25-44 year olds.
1996: The number of annual new cases declines for the first time since the beginning of the epidemic.
2010: For the first time in 22 years, HIV-positive people are allowed to visit and immigrate to the United States.
TODAY: Sexually active gay men have been unable to donate blood since 1983, though it is no longer a lifetime ban. Researchers are still attempting to find a vaccine or cure.