Gloria Steinem, the American journalist and feminist activist whose work helped bring feminist ideas into the mainstream, has died aged 92 at her home in New York City. A statement shared on her Instagram page said she died peacefully, surrounded by people who loved her.
Steinem continued working for equality until the end of her life, according to the statement. She was known for journalism, public speaking and activism, including campaigns for reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and protections against domestic violence.
A journalist who made feminism visible
Born in Ohio in 1934, Steinem grew up in a trailer home and later in Toledo with her mother after her parents separated. She graduated from a women’s liberal arts college in 1956 and spent two years in India working as a legal clerk at the country’s supreme court.
Her journalism included a 1963 undercover investigation of working conditions at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club, where she spent 11 days as a Playboy Bunny. She later wrote about contraception, abortion, gender and race, and helped establish Ms magazine in 1971.
Key points
- Steinem was the author of nine books.
- She co-founded Ms magazine with Dorothy Pitman Hughes in 1971.
- Her activism addressed domestic violence, female genital mutilation, pornography and wars including Vietnam and the Gulf war.
- She co-chaired and spoke at the Women’s March on Washington in January 2017.
A broad record of activism
Steinem campaigned for women’s reproductive rights and against domestic violence, female genital mutilation and the pornography industry. She also supported Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights, the reunification of Korea and the Times Up movement.
Her activism included opposition to the Vietnam and Gulf wars and a 1984 arrest while protesting apartheid outside the South African embassy in Washington DC. She became a prominent critic of Donald Trump and took part in the Women’s March after his inauguration in 2017.
A contested public legacy
Steinem was criticised by some feminists who believed the media had elevated her because she was young, white and attractive. She also faced criticism for a 1998 opinion article defending Bill Clinton against sexual harassment allegations, a position she later said she would not repeat.
She clarified her position on transgender rights in 2013, saying transgender people were living authentic lives that should be celebrated. Steinem was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986 and trigeminal neuralgia in 1994.
No comments yet. Start the discussion.