Wordsmiths: Laudomia Forteguerri

Womanica

Laudomia (1515-unknown) is thought to be Italy's earliest lesbian writer and may have been one of the first women who had their poetry discussed in an open setting at a lecture. She wrote sonnets dedicated to other high society women. She also helped in the construction of fortifications during the Siege of Siena.

For Further Reading:

• Queer Places: Laudomia Forteguerri
• The Sword and the Pen: Women, Politics and Poetry in 16th Century Siena
• Twenty-Five Women who Shaped the Italian Renaissance
• Same Sex Love and Desire Among Women in the Middle Ages Laudomia Forteguerri Loves Margaret of Austria

This Pride Month, we’re talking about wordsmiths. Women who used language to create community, give a voice to change, and inspire future generations to do the same.

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