Gloria Steinem, a pioneering journalist and activist who became a central figure in the American women’s movement, passed away Wednesday at her New York City residence at age 92. According to a statement from her foundation shared on Instagram, she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. The foundation noted that Steinem remained committed to advancing equality throughout her lengthy life.
Steinem’s most significant contribution to feminism came through her work launching Ms. magazine during the 1970s, a groundbreaking publication that expanded beyond traditional women’s topics to address substantive social and political issues. That same decade, she co-founded the Women’s Action Alliance to combat sexism and emerged as a prominent voice advocating for women’s reproductive rights, including her support for the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
Beyond journalism and activism, Steinem’s influence extended into popular culture. Her life inspired multiple documentary and film projects, including the 2011 HBO documentary “Gloria: In Her Own Words” and the 2015 feature film “The Glorias,” which featured four actresses portraying her at different life stages. She also made television appearances across numerous programs spanning decades and had a forthcoming memoir titled “An Unexpected Life.”
Her foundation emphasized Steinem’s exceptional gift for listening and making others feel valued, noting that her legacy inspired countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves. The organization announced plans to continue her tradition of hosting community gatherings known as Talking Circles.
