Gloria Steinem, Feminist Leader and Co-founder of Ms. Magazine, Dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, the journalist, activist and feminist icon who co-founded Ms. magazine, died Wednesday at 92, according to an announcement from Gloria’s Foundation. On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA publicly honored Steinem, calling her a “trailblazing journalist, writer, activist & feminist icon” and saying in a social media post that she had been a union member since 1968.

In its announcement, reproduced by major news outlets including The Associated Press and The Washington Post, the foundation said: “Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her.” The foundation added that Steinem “continued working for equality until the very end.” No cause of death was publicly disclosed in the initial announcement.

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing performers and broadcast journalists, posted its tribute on Bluesky on Thursday. “We honor the life & legacy of trailblazing journalist, writer, activist & feminist icon Gloria Steinem,” the union wrote. “A pioneering force in the women’s movement, she opened doors, challenged inequality & inspired generations to demand change. #SagAftraMember since 1968.” The membership date comes from SAG-AFTRA’s post.

Born Gloria Marie Steinem on March 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, Steinem became one of the most prominent leaders of the U.S. women’s movement and one of the most visible public faces of second-wave feminism. As a journalist and activist, she helped bring issues including reproductive rights, workplace equality and violence against women into the mainstream national debate. Her co-founding of Ms. magazine made her a defining figure in feminist media and public life.

Steinem’s influence was recognized far beyond activist circles. In 2013, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Her death was widely reported Thursday by major news organizations including AP, the BBC, The Washington Post and The Guardian, all citing the foundation’s announcement.

A memoir, An Unexpected Life, was scheduled for publication later this month.