Derek Jarman [Gorup de Besanez]

HE was the first famous person to go public about being HIV positive in December 1986, when the diagnosis was regarded in the UK as a “death sentence”.

And on February 19, 30 years to the day since his death in 1994 from Aids, the film­maker, author and artist Derek Jarman is being honoured with a book of poetry dedicated to him.

“He was a massive inspiration and influence on me, both as being a queer man and being openly HIV positive,” said poet Simon Maddrell, who is launching his new book, A Finger In Derek Jarman’s Mouth, at the Queen’s Head in Upper Street.

Mr Jarman, who lived in a top floor flat at 60 Liverpool Road, Angel, between 1967 and 1969, was known for his films, including Blue and Caravaggio, but he also filmed music videos for the Sex Pistols, the Smiths and The Pet Shop Boys.

Describing how Mr Jarman’s film Sebastiane impacted him when he first saw it as a twenty-something, Mr Maddrell said: “The reason why it struck me so much was because it was the first time I’d seen on the screen a positive picture of being queer.”

Apart from the homophobia and violence also depicted on screen, it was Mr Jarman’s presentation of a “queer hero” that allowed Mr Maddrell to feel positive about his sexuality at a time when he had, up until that point, felt suicidal at times. But it wasn’t just Sebastiane that impressed him.

Mr Jarman’s decision to “come out” as HIV positive at a time when the stigma surrounding the disease was so prevalent was another turning point in Mr Madrell’s life.

Simon Maddrell [MoM Gold]

“I found that very inspiring in terms of making that choice myself,” he added, describing how he too decided to share his HIV status when he was diagnosed positive.

“I think when queer people become HIV positive, there’s a danger that they effectively go back into another closet, because most people hide it, and that’s where it becomes shameful,” he said.

Queer men living with HIV are twice as likely to take their lives, he warned, while that figure shoots up five times in the first year of diagnoses.

“His unashamed approach to to being HIV positive and his activism about it, particularly in his painting, but also in his words and activities, were inspirational,” Mr Maddrell added.

The Brighton-based poet decided to write a book about Mr Jarman, whom he never met, in tribute to the contribu­tion the filmmaker had on the world.

“One of the things I feel very strongly about is that queer stories are told,” he said.

To attend the free event, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-derek-jarman-tickets-807577254307