1942 – 1994
Derek’s films have touched so many lives; his beautiful, challenging and breathtaking images have always been so important to the LGBT community and he was always true to his inner vision. Derek Jarman was a writer, a film maker, an artist, a gardener and a vociferous and tireless campaigner for gay rights and for the homosexual age of consent to be lowered. His courage and honesty in the face of AIDS was an inspiration to so many. Shortly before his death he was canonised by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgance.
He never hid his sexuality; he celebrated it and encouraged others to do the same.
I do not have the words to do justice to Derek Jarman’s life or to condense his achievements in a few short lines, but I think it would be a tragedy if his name was not included on the poll.
19th February is the 12th anniversary of Derek Jarman’s death; it would be fitting for him to be remembered and his life celebrated during LGBT History Month.
Sister Morticia
The Order of St Derek of Jarman
Also nominated by James, who has created a dedicated tribute site to Derek Jarman at
www.slowmotionangel.com