But there’s a difference here. Yes there is a parallel to the AIDS epidemic here, but the difference is that the panic surrounding those with AIDS was unfounded and steeped in bigotry, while the fear of being killed by touching Rouge is very real.
Like, no it’s not a moral failing to have AIDS, but that doesn’t mean the incredible advancements we’ve made in HIV treatment are a bad thing.
To be clear, Rogue is still absolutely valid as a character who struggles with an innate affliction that is, for perceived or misguided reasons, considered dangerous. There’s definitely parallels to conversion therapy and the like. But the analogy to the persecution of marginalized groups is just broad enough to contain both those whose identity is the “disease” (Storm) and those whose identity is tied to but not synonymous with their affliction (Rogue). It’s the distinction that makes this particular line hit just a bit off the mark. Conversion therapy vs AZT, as it were.