Gloria Steinem, a journalist and activist, dedicated her life to advocating for women’s rights ranging from workplace equality to reproductive freedom. Following her recent passing at the age of 92, figures across politics and culture have shared their tributes and gratitude, committing to continue her work.
Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and the first female presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party, expressed her appreciation on Facebook, acknowledging Steinem’s influence in opening doors for millions of women. Other political figures like former First Lady Jill Biden, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark also paid their respects, emphasizing Steinem’s impact on their careers and the advancement of women’s rights.
“She wasn’t going to be an astronaut, but my goodness, she made it possible for Sally Ride to be an astronaut,” Clinton noted.
Steinem became a prominent voice for second-wave feminism in the 1960s and co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus and Ms. magazine in the 1970s. Her work helped normalize conversations surrounding issues like workplace sexism and abortion. She also played a role in increasing female representation in politics at a time when societal norms restricted women’s financial independence.
The tributes extended beyond political figures. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, shared personal stories of Steinem’s influence in her life, highlighting her support both publicly and privately. Julianne Moore, who portrayed Steinem in the 2020 film The Glorias, described learning from Steinem’s example as transformative.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bernie Sanders, among other political leaders, paid homage to Steinem as well. New York mayors, including Mike Bloomberg and Zohran Mamdani, honored her, reflecting on her six decades in the city. Rep. Jim McGovern shared how Steinem supported his political journey. Many notable cultural figures, such as Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton, and Billie Jean King, expressed their respect and commitment to continuing her legacy.
Actress Lena Dunham fondly recalled the advice and support she received from Steinem over the years, while Jameela Jamil described Steinem as a guiding force in her life, sharing concerns about the state of women’s rights.
Despite setbacks like the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Steinem remained steadfast in her belief that the struggle for rights would continue. She emphasized the need to link historical movements to current efforts, highlighting the ongoing presence of patriarchy and racism.
Steinem’s forthcoming memoir, An Unexpected Life, is scheduled for release soon, offering further insights into her life’s work and philosophy.