In memory of Gloria Steinem: 9 facts about the icon of american feminism
The legendary journalist died at the age of 92
One of the most influential voices of the American women’s movement, renowned journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, has died at the age of 92. According to her foundation, she passed away peacefully at her home in New York on September 2.
Her name has long been synonymous with feminism in the United States. For decades, she spoke openly about issues that were once routinely swept under the rug: women’s right to make their own decisions about their bodies, domestic violence, sexual harassment, inequality in the workplace and women’s participation in politics.
Here are some facts about the remarkable life and legacy of Gloria Steinem.
1. Her legendary investigation began with a job as a «Playboy Bunny»
One of the most famous episodes of her career came in 1963. Using a false name, Steinem got a job as a waitress at the iconic Playboy Club in New York.
For nearly two weeks, she worked there as a so-called «Bunny» to see firsthand what working conditions were like for the women employed at the club. The experience resulted in a widely discussed investigative piece for Show magazine.
Steinem wrote about low wages, uncomfortable corsets, hours spent working in high heels, humiliating medical examinations and sexual harassment from wealthy customers.
The article brought her widespread recognition and demonstrated that journalism could be more than a way of telling a story — it could also be a tool for challenging systemic injustice.
2. She became one of the leading voices of feminism
In 1968, Steinem joined the team that launched New York magazine, where she worked as an editor and political columnist. A year later, she published an article titled «After Black Power — Women’s Liberation».
The piece helped establish her as one of the leading figures of the American women’s movement.
3. Steinem helped launch Ms. magazine
In 1972, Gloria Steinem became a co-founder of Ms. magazine. The publication quickly grew into one of the most important platforms of the feminist movement.
Its pages tackled domestic violence, sexual harassment, abortion and discrimination against women openly — subjects that traditional media often avoided.
Steinem herself also wrote for the magazine about violence against women, including female genital mutilation.
4. She publicly spoke about her own illegal abortion
Gloria Steinem had an abortion in 1957, when the procedure was illegal in the United States. However, she did not publicly discuss the experience until 1969.
Her personal story became part of the broader fight for women’s reproductive rights. During the 1970s, Steinem was among the most prominent activists advocating for women’s right to make their own decisions about pregnancy.
5. She wanted women to have a real political voice
In 1971, Steinem helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus.
The organization was created to increase women’s representation in American political life and help them gain a genuine influence over decision-making.
That same year, Steinem delivered her famous «Address to the Women of America» speech, in which she described the fight for equality not simply as a reform, but as a revolutionary transformation of society.
6. Her quotes became part of feminist history
Steinem had a talent for expressing complex ideas in a concise and striking way. Among her most famous statements is: «If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacred right».
Another memorable line attributed to her reads: «The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off».
7. She challenged traditional gender roles, but married at 66
For decades, Steinem was critical of the traditional institution of marriage and spoke openly about her decision not to have children.
Her relationships included several prominent men, among them financier Franklin Thomas and Oscar-winning director Mike Nichols.
Yet in 2000, the activist surprised many people when she married at the age of 66. Her husband was David Bale — a South African businessman and environmental activist, and the father of Hollywood actor Christian Bale.
8. Barack Obama recognized her contribution to society
In 2013, then-US President Barack Obama presented Gloria Steinem with the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest civilian honor in the United States.
It was one of the most significant official recognitions of her decades-long work for women’s rights and gender equality.
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In addition to Ms., Steinem also helped establish the Ms. Foundation for Women and the Women’s Media Center — organizations dedicated to supporting women and strengthening their presence in the media and public life.
9. Her story was brought to the screen
In 2020, Julie Taymor’s biographical film «The Glorias» was released. The film explores the life of the writer and activist, with Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander and Timothy Hutton portraying the main roles.
That same year, the series «Dear Ms.» premiered, with Rose Byrne portraying Gloria Steinem.
Photo: Instagram @gloriasteinem
