Gloria Steinem, the iconic American feminist, author, and co-founder of Ms. magazine, has died at the age of 92. She passed away on Wednesday at her home in New York City, a fact confirmed by announcements on her official social media accounts and those of her foundation.
Steinem was a defining figure in the U.S. women’s movement for decades, known for her distinctive look—streaked hair parted down the middle and large aviator glasses—and her tireless advocacy for gender equality. Her career began in journalism, notably with a 1963 undercover investigation into the conditions at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club, an experience she later expressed regret over. However, her path shifted dramatically after attending a 1969 gathering where women openly discussed their experiences with illegal abortions, an event that galvanized her into activism.
Despite a lifelong fear of public speaking, Steinem became one of the movement’s most visible voices, traveling extensively to speak at colleges, rallies, and community centers. She co-founded Ms. magazine in 1972, providing a crucial platform for feminist discourse. Her influence remained strong well into her later years; at 85, she led “talking circles” at events celebrating her life, and just months before her death, she collaborated with Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee on a children’s book titled Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey, published in February 2026.
Her legacy was also immortalized in the 2020 film The Glorias: A Life on the Road, starring Julianne Moore, which adapted her 2015 memoir. In a 2022 reflection following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Steinem emphasized the centrality of bodily autonomy to democracy, stating, “Either our control over our own bodies is equal, regardless of sex or race, or we’re not living in a democracy.”
Tributes following her death highlighted her unique ability to make others feel “seen and heard.” Her foundation noted that her “words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves,” describing her as a woman who lived with curiosity, independence, and humor until the end.
