Gloria Steinem, Icon of American Feminism, Dies at 92

Gloria Steinem died on September 2, 2026 at her New York City home, announced in a joint Instagram post by the activist and her foundation on September 3. No cause of death was disclosed.

Gloria Steinem, Ms. Magazine Co-Founder, Dies at 92 in New York City: 47 outlets compared

Born March 25, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, Steinem graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Smith College in 1956 and spent two years in India on a fellowship that introduced her to grassroots organizing. After returning, she entered a male-dominated newsroom and, in 1963, went undercover as a Playboy Bunny. Her exposé “A Bunny’s Tale” revealed low pay and sexist treatment, launching her national profile.

Hollywood Reporter

A 1969 “speak-out” on illegal abortions sparked what she called the “big click” that turned her into an “active feminist.” She co-founded Ms. magazine (1972) and the National Women’s Political Caucus (1971), and helped launch the Women’s Action Alliance, the Women’s Media Center, the Ms. Foundation for Women, and Voters for Choice. Steinem testified before the U.S. Senate on May 6, 1970 in support of the Equal Rights Amendment and continued to champion reproductive freedom, workplace equality, and anti-violence measures for decades.

NPR

• Ms. magazine – first national magazine owned and written by women.

NPR

• National Women’s Political Caucus – recruited, trained, and endorsed women candidates.

NPR

• Women’s Action Alliance – non-sexist, multiracial children’s education.

The Jerusalem Post

• Women’s Media Center – amplified women’s voices in media.

NPR

• Voters for Choice – pro-choice political action committee.

The Jerusalem Post

• In 1971 the National Women’s Political Caucus began with 15 women elected to Congress, 363 women state legislators, and 7 women city mayors; by the 2020s those numbers rose to 150, 2,476, and 428.

NPR

• Ms. magazine sold 300,000 copies of its first issue within eight days.

Vogue

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Steinem “an optimist” whose activism was a moral choice.

Newsweek

Meghan Markle described Steinem as a “friend and mentor” who gave extraordinary advice over tea. Jane Fonda, co-founder of the Women’s Media Center, said Steinem’s presence made her feel “safe.”

CBC News

Early feminist leader Betty Friedan argued that the media attempted to turn Steinem into a celebrity, suggesting her public image sometimes eclipsed substantive feminist work.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• “That speak-out was the beginning of activism for me,” — Gloria Steinem

CBC News

• “Gloria was at heart an optimist,” — Hillary Clinton

BBC News

• “The first thing I feel whenever I’m in Gloria Steinem’s presence is safe,” — Jane Fonda

Hollywood Reporter

Steinem’s forthcoming memoir, _An Unexpected Life_, is scheduled for release on September 22. The foundation asks donors to contribute to its charitable work in lieu of flowers, ensuring her “talking circles” and community-building ethos continue.

Vogue