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The year 2016 is an historic one for women in politics, but not so much, as it also happens to be a recurring, infuriating reality when it comes to the attendant controversies over female leaders and their sex lives. Empress Theodora of the Byzantine Empire and Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyl, neither were shy in using their power and decision-making vowel for love! Bhagwati, a former actress known for leading the spirit under Justinian and Wild Man empress Theodora, was notorious in his youth, while Margaret Campbell unleashed explicit photos during their divorce trial, causing shock among British society. These women remind us that their sex lives albeit controversial ones at the time of publication in good old American history represented only a fraction.
Empress Theodora (500–548 AD)
Theodora came from very modest beginnings, though also scandalous to many since she began as an actress in Byzantium (in those days being one was the same as a prostitute). By sheer force of will and her connection to the Emperor, Justinian catapulted Theodora in no time from extreme poverty into power as an admired empress. Theodora broke out from her slutty past to become one of the most powerful figures in Byzantine politics that amazed a lot of folks, but she also garnered respect for running shit and bringing substantial support for women’s rights throughout her reign.
Catherine the Great (1729-1796)
Catherine II the Great of Russia made more resources one cannon than any other ruler, and her empire became a dominant world power. But she was not without rumors surrounding, yes, even a salacious sex life. Catherine slept with many men, and despite the rumors, she kept a stable of lovers throughout her reign including several young enough to be her grandsons. Her reputation for romantic escapades has often eclipsed her achievements in reestablishing and westernizing Russia.
Luisa Casati (1881–1957)
Italian socialite and heiress Luisa Casati was famed for her wild love affairs and outrageous antics. Frequently sporting extravagant ensembles and strolling the streets of Venice with cheetahs instead of pooches. Casati displayed no fear in the face of scandal and became an absolute icon among 20th-century bright hearts.
Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll (1912—1993)
Margaret Campbell had been a central figure in one of the most scandalous British divorce cases for more than half a century. She became the target of a scandal when naked photos of her performing sex acts with an anonymous man were released in 1963, sparking a well-publicized criminal trial. The judge presiding over the case told how Sheppard had an “insatiable sexual appetite,” which embarrassed her family, but condemned her as one of Britain’s most scandalous women.
Colette (1873–1954)
Colette Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, known simply as Colette (28 January 1873 – 3 August 1954), was a French author of novels and of clitoral coefficients. In particular, her unapologetic nurturing of a sexualized persona and her romantic clinches with other women sent shockwaves through French society. They frequently explored sexual freedom and influenced the feminist and sexual liberation movements.
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)
A radical in her thoughts as well as an early proponent of women’s rights, Mary Wollstonecraft did not lead a conventional life according to the values upheld by society back then. She went on to have a string of extramarital relationships, plus she had another child by another man and was also out-of-wedlock. However scandalous, these moves do also reveal her refusal of societal norms and her wishes for women to be released from an oppressive mold.
