When Victor gets his AIDS test, it is shortly after a glimpse of the New York Times article about a rare cancer in 41 gay men. This article was famously published on July 3, 1981. Shortly after this, Victor gets his AIDS test and is told that he "tested positive for HIV". At that time, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was not known as the cause of AIDS (which was known as GRID in 1981). The term "HIV" did not appear until 1986.
Also, in a scene shown AFTER this one, the date is noted as April, 1981, despite two scenes that could not have happened before April being shown earlier.
Also, in a scene shown AFTER this one, the date is noted as April, 1981, despite two scenes that could not have happened before April being shown earlier.