I read it as the death being a consequence of a life lived queerly--not the natural consequence, I don't mean, but the consequence of the times. In spite of stigma, disease, and death, this student went out and had sex with other gay men. And his death of AIDS is, well, it's fucking shit, but it could be read as the ultimate defiance--not even the threat of death by horrible disease was going to make him stop acting in accordance with his orientation.

Disclaimer: I am queer, but of this generation that generally has it pretty good (generally), and certainly has it better than the previous'un. Second disclaimer: I am coming off a 16-hour shift and may not be making sense. Sorry.