Romina Cecconi - Io, la "Romanina"

1976, Italian, Romina Cecconi,

Original title: "Io, la "Romanina": perchè sono diventato dolonna" (Me, the "Romanina": why I became a woman) by Romina Cecconi.

The book is a document written by Romina Cecconi, born in 1941, one of the pioneers of the Italian transgender community. The story is presented with remarkable intelligence and verve. It is the experience of a transgender woman. One is struck by the willpower, by the humanity always intact, by the sense of humor of this person who was persecuted by others and, like many, had no choice but to live from prostitution.

Remarkable is the description of the "deep province", that culturally backward Italietta that Cecconi knows when she is sent to exile by the police for her "scandalous" behavior. This is also a rare testimony, because it is first-hand, of the sending of a transgender person into confinement, a common practice during fascism, but still in force for many decades after its fall. The author mentioned at the end of the autobiography her intention to get married. Well, she really did it, with a Greek boy named Mantakas, arousing, at the time, a lot of publicity in the media.

Romina Cecconi is one of the key figures of the Italian LGBTQ+ movement. Her story is that of a woman trapped in the body of a man whose path in life has contributed to the improvement of the living conditions of transgender people in Italy. Romina Cecconi, originally known as Romano Cecconi, faced immense challenges due to her identity. She underwent a gender transition at a time when Italian law prohibited such changes. Despite societal prejudice and legal restrictions, she remained steadfast in her determination to live authentically. Her experiences included being imprisoned four times, labeled a “shady” individual by newspapers, and stripped of civil rights, driving licenses, and job opportunities. Romina’s unwavering commitment to her true self led her to defy societal norms and fight for acceptance.

In 1976, a groundbreaking memoir titled “Io La Romanina” was published. The book recounted Romina’s life and her arduous journey toward embracing her female identity. The cover featured an evocative illustration by Giuliano Fornari. Romina’s narrative is both candid and humorous. Even when describing serious events like assaults and violence, she maintains a picaresque tone. Her motto during her nights at the Cascine was, “I am the batwoman, half mouse and half bird.” The book humorously recounts an episode during a flood, which became the epicenter of an unstoppable erotic theater. Another section details the paradoxical decree that led to her confinement in Volturino, Foggia.

Romina’s resilience and wit shine through as she navigates societal expectations. Romina’s time in a women’s prison, a prelude to her subsequent segregation, marked a radical change in her life. Despite Judge Vigna treating her as a dangerous criminal, Romina emerged victorious. She seduced men with fashionable outfits, including a striking fur coat, and eventually adopted the attire of local women. Her acceptance by the community stemmed from her courage in standing up to a man who had promised her love but abandoned her for another. 

Romina Cecconi’s story serves as a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the fight for transgender rights. Her impact on the LGBTQ+ movement in Italy remains significant. You can explore more about Romina Cecconi’s life and legacy through the documentary titled “Sono la Donna Pipistrello” (translated as “I Am the Batwoman, Half Mouse and Half Bird”), directed by Francesco Belais and Matteo Tortora (2015).

Available via culturagay.it

Photo via Instagram

Photo via Instagram