Gloria Steinem: A Lifetime of Activism

Gloria Steinem's impact on feminist movements and social justice was profound. Her life's work spanned over nine decades, leaving an indelible mark on society.

Born in 1934 to a homemaker mother and a father who wanted to be a movie star or record producer, Steinem's early life laid the groundwork for her future activism. She spent two years in India on a fellowship after college, which was later revealed to be CIA-funded, but she saw it as an opportunity to use the Establishment's money against itself.

In 1963, Steinem published a first-person account of her month undercover as a Playboy Bunny in Show magazine. This marked the beginning of her writing career and cemented her status as a feminist icon. TIME Magazine initially portrayed her as 'a smashing looking Gucci liberal' but later described her as 'feminism's superstar.'

Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine, which she envisioned as 'a how-to magazine; not how to make jelly but how to seize control of your life.' She organized the National Women's Political Caucus and worked tirelessly on behalf of women's equality, alongside Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug, and Betty Friedan.

Throughout her career, Steinem advocated for more than just women's rights. She spoke out against apartheid, supported LGB rights, and campaigned on behalf of native people. In 2013, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her enduring impact on social justice.