The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) recently made the controversial decision to remove a film by the late British filmmaker Derek Jarman depicting two men sharing a kiss. This action followed a complaint from a member of the public, who cited concerns that the film was "harmful to my child's health." The removal has sparked widespread debate about censorship, representation, and the place of queer history in Ireland's cultural institutions.
This Film is NOT Harmful
Let us be absolutely clear: Derek Jarman's film, and in particular its scene of two men kissing, is not harmful. On the contrary, the simple act of showing same-sex affection is a vital declaration of love and humanity. Countless studies confirm that positive, honest depictions of queer people in the media promote acceptance, reduce prejudice, and support the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth.
To suggest that a brief, tender moment between consenting adults is somehow "dangerous" is not only unfounded, it perpetuates discrimination and stigmatises families with LGBTQIA+ members. Instead of shielding children from queer lives and love, we should be teaching acceptance, empathy, and respect for diversity. Hiding or censoring such art harms everyone; it erases the real spectrum of human experience and enforces shame where there should be none.
Removing Jarman's film validates a view that there is something inappropriate about same-sex love, a message that is not only outdated, but actively damaging in a society striving for equality. Museums like IMMA must lead by example, offering spaces where all are represented, especially those who have historically been marginalised.
Opera Unhinged's Response
We at Opera Unhinged are profoundly dismayed by this act of censorship. Art is meant to challenge, provoke, and expand the boundaries of public discourse, not to soothe only the most comfortable or dominant perspectives. The erasure of Derek Jarman's work from IMMA silences an important voice in queer history and robs audiences of the vital conversation his art inspires.
To express our objection, we have formally written to the IMMA, demanding that Derek Jarman's film be reinstated in its rightful place. A copy of our letter is below.
A Call to Action
We call on IMMA, and all cultural institutions, to resist censorship and stand with the LGBTQIA+ community. It is critical for museums to protect and promote works by artists like Derek Jarman, whose vision and courage help society become more inclusive, honest, and humane.
We encourage supporters to add their voices to this cause, let's ensure that art which honors diversity and challenges prejudice remains visible, debated, and celebrated.
Together, let's keep queer art on our walls, our screens, and in our hearts.
Letter to the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Annie Fletcher
Director
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA),
Royal Hospital Kilmainham,
Dublin 8
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Dear Ms. Fletcher,
We are writing in response to the recent letter from a parent requesting the removal of Derek Jarman's film from your public exhibition following their concern that a scene of two men kissing is "harmful to my child's health."
As founders of Opera Unhinged, a Galway-based arts company dedicated to artistic inclusion and creative freedom, we wish to express our deep concern about the removal of this important film in response to a single complaint grounded in personal prejudice.
Derek Jarman is globally recognised as an influential artist and filmmaker whose honest depictions of love and identity have enriched art and society. Sidestepping his legacy due to one individual's discomfort undermines both artistic integrity and the core mission of inclusive cultural spaces like IMMA.
We want to state clearly that there is no credible basis, psychological, medical, or educational, to claim that children's health or development is harmed by seeing images of two adults expressing affection, regardless of gender. On the contrary, research consistently shows that exposing children to diverse forms of love and family is vital to nurturing empathy, reducing prejudice, and fostering a safe, accepting society. Removing such representations can, in fact, cause harm by reinforcing exclusion and shame among LGBTQIA+ families and their children, and by failing to prepare all children for the reality of the diverse world they inhabit.
Art is not always comfortable, but it is essential for healthy civic and social development. Jarman's work deserves to be seen, discussed, and embraced by all - especially by the next generation. To deny young people the opportunity to encounter diverse expressions of love is a disservice to their growth, understanding, and emotional well-being.
With this in mind, we urge you to reconsider your decision and reinstate Derek Jarman's film to its rightful place in IMMA's exhibition. If you are not able or willing to do so, we kindly request guidance regarding which government department we should contact to escalate this matter and advocate for the return of inclusive, visionary art to public spaces.
Thank you for considering our perspective and for your ongoing commitment, which we hope remains steadfast, to fostering an open and inclusive cultural landscape in Ireland.
Sincerely,
Rob Partridge & Oran Tobin
Opera Unhinged
Please note: This line "If you are not able or willing to do so, we kindly request guidance regarding which government department we should contact to escalate this matter and advocate for the return of inclusive, visionary art to public spaces." is an 'homage' to the original letter sent to the IMMA from the lady complaining.