Lina Poletti

Often described as beautiful and rebellious, she was prone to wear men's clothing and is considered one of the first women in Italy to openly declare her lesbianism.

She studied with Giovanni Pascoli at the University of Bologna and completed her education in 1907 with a thesis which analyzed the poetry of Giosuè Carducci.

There she met the well-known writer Sibilla Aleramo, who shared her commitment to social change that would eliminate the subordinate position women held in Italian society.

[1][10] Poletti was unable to write during the twenty years of fascism in Italy, as she and Rasponi were constantly under the scrutiny of authorities and their home was often raided.

[2][11][12] Cenni, Alessandra, "Amo dunque sono", "Sibilla Aleramo e Lina", dramatic text, RAI3, marzo 2023