Feminist activist and writer Gloria Steinem dead at 92

September 3, 2026 — 8:17pmAmerican journalist and second-wave feminism leader Gloria Steinem died at age 92 on Wednesday, according to a post on her official Instagram account.“Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her,” the post read.Gloria Steinem speaks onstage during Visionary Women in November 2019. Getty Images for Visionary WomenSteinem was a leading activist for the second-wave feminism movement in the late 1960s and 70s, which focused on sexuality, reproductive rights, and critiquing patriarchal social structures and institutions, among other issues.Former US President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 for her work in the women’s liberation movement.“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” the post said.Steinem also wrote and contributed to publications, including New York Magazine, Esquire, The New York Times, and Cosmopolitan, and co-founded the feminist magazine, Ms. “She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing,” the post read.“Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain. Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle.“Steinem’s forthcoming book, titled An Unexpected Life, is a memoir of her early life and her journey to activism. It is due to be released in late September.Gloria Steinem at a New York City gala in November 2022. Getty ImagesThe Instagram post shared a quote from the book, “I have now lived for more than fifty years in this brownstone, in rooms that have witnessed lives before mine, and will know others after I am gone.”“This book, along with her commitment to her home becoming a centre for social justice movements, are among the many gifts Gloria has given the world with the hope they have ripple effects for generations to come,” the post said.Steinem was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1934.“In lieu of flowers, Gloria has asked that those wishing to honour her with a gift, may make a donation to Gloria’s Foundation.”Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.From our partners