Meaning: The quote "Understand that sexuality is as wide as the sea. Understand that your morality is not law. Understand that we are you. Understand that if we decide to have sex whether safe, safer, or unsafe, it is our decision and you have no rights in our lovemaking." by Derek Jarman, the renowned filmmaker and artist, encapsulates a powerful message about the complexities of human sexuality, individual autonomy, and the societal constructs that seek to regulate and control sexual behavior.

Jarman, who was openly gay and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, used his art and activism to challenge prevailing attitudes towards sexuality and to advocate for sexual freedom and autonomy. In this quote, he confronts the notion that sexuality can be neatly confined within narrow boundaries, emphasizing its vast and diverse nature by likening it to the expansive sea. By doing so, Jarman highlights the inherent complexity and diversity of human sexuality, rejecting any attempts to impose rigid moral frameworks that seek to dictate or judge individual sexual expression.

The assertion that "your morality is not law" serves as a direct challenge to the imposition of moral codes or religious doctrines as legal or social mandates governing sexual behavior. Jarman's words underscore the importance of recognizing the distinction between personal moral beliefs and the rights of individuals to make autonomous decisions about their own bodies and sexual lives. By rejecting the idea that one's personal morality should be universally applied as a legal or social standard, Jarman advocates for a more inclusive and respectful approach to understanding and accepting diverse expressions of sexuality.

Furthermore, the phrase "Understand that we are you" serves as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that unites people, irrespective of their sexual orientation or preferences. Jarman emphasizes the commonality of human experience, urging empathy and understanding for those whose sexual choices may differ from societal norms. By emphasizing this shared humanity, Jarman challenges the stigmatization and marginalization of individuals based on their sexual preferences, inviting others to acknowledge and respect the inherent dignity and autonomy of all individuals.

The quote culminates in a bold assertion of individual agency and autonomy in matters of sexual expression: "Understand that if we decide to have sex whether safe, safer, or unsafe, it is our decision and you have no rights in our lovemaking." Here, Jarman unapologetically asserts the right of individuals to make their own choices regarding sexual activity, including the level of risk they are willing to accept. By asserting that others have no rights in their lovemaking, Jarman challenges any external attempts to control or regulate consensual sexual behavior, affirming the primacy of individual autonomy and decision-making in matters of intimacy and sexual expression.

In conclusion, Derek Jarman's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting the diversity of human sexuality, challenging the imposition of moral judgments as legal or social dictates, and asserting the fundamental right of individuals to make autonomous decisions about their own bodies and sexual lives. Through his words, Jarman advocates for a more inclusive, empathetic, and respectful approach to understanding and accepting diverse expressions of sexuality, while affirming the inherent dignity and autonomy of all individuals in matters of intimacy and sexual expression.