Gloria Steinem, a prominent writer, lecturer, and activist, who dedicated over fifty years to championing women's rights and gender equality, has passed away at the age of 92. This sad news was confirmed by her foundation on social media, sharing that she died on September 2.
As co-founder and consulting editor of Ms. Magazine, Steinem emerged as a central figure in the feminist movement starting in the late 1960s, inspiring countless individuals throughout her career.
In a 2017 interview with the New York Times, film and theater director Julie Taymor, who depicted Steinem's life in the 2020 film "The Glorias," described her path as “a singular journey — an American leader who can speak to us all.” Taymor's film and the 2018 play "Gloria: A Life," alongside the 2011 HBO documentary "Gloria: In Her Own Words," reflect the profound impact of Steinem’s work.
Steinem often referred to herself as “an entrepreneur of social change,” emphasizing the importance of listening to women's stories. In a 2015 New Yorker interview, she stated, “I want to do justice to the women I meet, to tell their stories.” Her work revolved around connection, believing that empowerment stems from understanding individual experiences.
In 1971, Steinem co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus with leaders such as Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisholm, and Betty Friedan. Friedan's influential book, “The Feminine Mystique,” published in 1963, played a pivotal role in launching the second wave of feminism.
In addition to her work with the caucus, Steinem established several organizations, including the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Women’s Media Center, Voters for Choice, and the Ms. Foundation for Women. Her impact on the movement was recognized in 2013 when President Barack Obama honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.
Steinem, known for her striking long hair and aviator glasses, became a glamorous icon of feminism. She was adamant about the movement being inclusive of women of all races. “If you’ve suffered discrimination, you’re sensitive to it on every level. I learned feminism largely from Black women. Women of color basically invented feminism,” she explained in New Yorker.
Early Life and Career
Born on March 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, Steinem grew up as the younger sister in a family that moved frequently due to her father's antique dealing. The instability of her upbringing delayed her formal education, which didn’t stabilize until she reached the seventh grade. At age 11, her parents separated, leaving Steinem to care for her mother, who struggled with mental health issues. This experience profoundly shaped her views on social inequality and the institution of marriage.
After earning her degree from Smith College, Steinem ventured into journalism, but her career took a pioneering turn when she wrote “A Bunny’s Tale” for Show magazine in 1963, after briefly working as a Playboy bunny. The two-part exposé highlighted the exploitation and sexist treatment of bunnies, marking a bold critique of gender inequality in the workplace.
In 1968, she became a founding member of New York magazine, where her influential essay, “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation,” helped secure her place as a leading voice during a transformative era. Her involvement in the feminist movement intensified after she attended an abortion speak-out in 1969, prompted by her own experience with an illegal abortion years earlier.
The launch of Ms. Magazine in 1971 marked a significant shift in women's media, addressing topics such as abortion, domestic violence, and equal rights, diverging from the traditional focus on beauty and domesticity that characterized women's magazines at the time. One early issue controversially included the names of 52 women, including Steinem, who had undergone abortions, advocating for legalization long before the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
Legacy and Influence
Steinem wasn’t shy about voicing her concerns regarding marriage's restrictive roles on women. She believed that gender equality outside the home wouldn’t be achieved until men shared responsibilities within it. Despite not having children, she married David Bale, an environmentalist and businessman, at the age of 66, viewing this choice as a reflection of feminist principles. She famously remarked, “I hope this proves what feminists have always said — that feminism is about the ability to choose what’s right at each time of our lives.” David Bale passed away in 2003.
Continuing her activism into her 80s, Steinem authored several influential books, including works on Marilyn Monroe and personal development. She was involved in various media projects, producing an Emmy Award-winning documentary about child abuse and hosting a series discussing violence against women.
Describing her as “the epitome of female beauty and the quintessence of female revolution,” author Carolyn Heilbrun encapsulated Steinem's enduring legacy in feminist thought and advocacy.
