1987

The first anti-HIV drug therapy - AZT (azidothymidine) - was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).  Since then, many scientists have argued that the effects of AZT in the prevention of HIV/AIDS are useless. 

Also in 1987, the Reagan Administration publicly acknowledged the AIDS epidemic for the first time, instituting a policy barring HIV-positive immigrants and visitors from entering the country. 

The AIDS memorial quilt was started in San Francisco.