As researchers learned more about AIDS, they determined that it’s caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When someone is infected with HIV, the virus breaks down cells in the immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections. When AIDS was first identified, no medications were available to treat it, leading to many deaths in the LGBTQIA+ community. However, due to the development of antiretroviral drugs, people with HIV can now live long, fulfilling lives.