Lina Poletti
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Lina Poletti, born Cordula Lina Poletti (1885-?)in Ravenna, was an Italian feminist, often described as being beautiful and rebellious, prone to wear men's clothing, and who is best known today for her lesbian affairs with writer Sibilla Aleramo and actress Eleonora Duse. In the book, "The Lesbian nell'italia the first twentieth", Poletti is credited with being one of the first women in Italy to openly declare her lesbianism, without regret. In an essay on the book, writer Francesca Cortesi recognizes that fact.
Her affair with Aleramo began in April, 1908, when the two learned that they shared the same feminist views and passion, after meeting at a women's conference. The relationship, often volatile, ended after one year. Sibilla Aleramo would go on to be one of Italy's leading feminists. Her writings to Poletti have, in more recent years, been studied due to their open minded views toward homosexual relationships. While Aleramo was involved with Poletti she was also in love with a man, Giovanni Cina. Aleramo expresses in her letters to Poletti that she never felt guilt for having loved both of them at the same time.
In 1909 Poletti met and became involved with Eleonora Duse, at the time a popular stage actress. The two moved in together in a house located in Florence, Italy. There is indication that the affair was passionate, but volatile, and after two years Poletti ended the relationship. Duse was depressed for a time afterward.
Little is known as to what happened to Poletti following the end of her affair with Duse, as she never achieved the fame that her former lover Aleramo achieved as a feminist.
