War doesn’t discriminate by gender. Politics does. But in 16th century Japan, Katakura Kita was a hero on both fronts.

She was a widow and a single mother, and was also a businesswoman and a diplomat who saved countless lives in the wake of World War I.

"How many historical women, LGBT or otherwise, are tucked away in half-forgotten tomes and obscure archives?" asks Nyri Bakkalian.