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Gloria Steinem, feminist writer and activist, dies at 92
Gloria Steinem, the feminist writer and activist who became a leading voice of the women's liberation movement, has died at 92. Her foundation announced she passed away peacefully at her New York City home, surrounded by loved ones.
Gloria Steinem, the feminist writer and activist whose work helped shape the modern women's movement in the United States, has died at the age of 92. Her foundation announced Thursday that Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by people who loved her.
«Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her,» the statement posted on her Instagram page read. «Gloria's near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end.» The cause of death was not disclosed.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1934, Steinem rose to national prominence in 1963 when she went undercover as a Playboy bunny to expose the poor working conditions in Hugh Hefner's clubs. The investigation helped establish her as a journalist willing to challenge powerful institutions, and she went on to become one of the most recognizable figures of the feminist movement.
Steinem was a founder of New York and Ms. magazines and authored numerous books, including «Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions,» «Revolution from Within,» «Moving Beyond Words,» and «My Life on the Road.» Her foundation noted that she spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing.
Beyond her writing, Steinem helped build lasting institutions. She co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Free to Be Foundation, and the Women's Media Center. She also helped establish the Women's Action Alliance, a national information center that specialized in nonsexist, multiracial children's education, and served as president and co-founder of Voters for Choice, a pro-choice political action committee.
Her influence extended internationally through organizations she helped found, including Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. Her activism earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013 and the Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum in 2019.
The foundation's statement highlighted Steinem's personal qualities as much as her public achievements. «Gloria's greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor,» the statement said.
In her later years, Steinem hosted talking circles in her home and was working on a forthcoming book, «An Unexpected Life,» according to the foundation. Her home in New York became known as a gathering place for feminist and activist thinkers from around the world.
«Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain,» the foundation said. «Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle.»
