| On August 17, 1939, Caroline Leto and Venera Magazzu became a couple. On the last week in May at 5:30pm, I met them in the Dania, Florida home they share. The Italian women, rather quiet and reserved, who each reminded me of my own beloved grandmother upon first glance, shared their love story with me.
Caroline Leto, soon to be 96, was born on October 9, 1913 in Ybor City, Florida but was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Venera Magazzu, who is 97, was born on March 25, 1912 in Manhattan. Their remarkable relationship began when they met at a friend’s house in New York at 24 and 25 years old. After a short while they got together and have remained together since.
In a time when gay marriage, being gay or gay issues was not in the forefront, Caroline and Venera managed to overcome the obstacles, stay behind closed doors and remain steadfast in their commitment to love and each other along the way. While Caroline worked as a Telegraph Operator for Western Union, Venera, was a teacher and dress maker, and also served in the army for 2 years as an airplane mechanic and medic in Texas. They moved into their first home as a couple in New York in 1939. At that time, they never thought it was important to come out to their neighbors or their families. People thought they were either sisters or friends.
Although not out in their younger years together, Venera and Caroline took full advantage of the ever-changing attitudes towards gays and lesbians. During 1996, the two registered as Domestic Partners in New York, 56 years after becoming a couple. And in 2006, Venera authored the e-book, Young and Gay at 90: An Unadulterated Story, in hopes of reaching out to younger generations of gays and lesbians, to give them confidence and strength in their lives.
As part of our pride issue, I’m thrilled to share these two charming, lovely, witty and wise women with you, to celebrate their love as they plan their party to celebrate 70 years together. For anyone who thinks true love can’t last a lifetime, Caroline and Venera are living, breathing, loving proof that it can!
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