Gloria Steinem, feminist icon, dies at 92; tributes from Clinton, Markle, Biden, Dunham and others

Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist activist, author and journalist who became one of the most influential voices of the US women’s movement, has passed away at the age of 92. Following news of her death, tributes poured in from Hillary Clinton, Jill Biden, Meghan Markle, Lena Dunham, Roxane Gay, Rachel Cargle, Harvey Fierstein and several others who remembered her as a fearless trailblazer and a transformative force for gender equality. Steinem died peacefully on Wednesday at her home in New York City, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement released by her representative on Thursday. “Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” the statement said. It also remembered her ability to listen to others and make people feel “seen and heard”, adding that her words, actions and example encouraged people to embrace their authentic selves.

Hillary Clinton remembers Gloria Steinem as an architect of women’s equality

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Steinem, recalling first becoming aware of her work during the 1960s and 1970s. Clinton said Steinem helped make the fight for equal opportunity more visible and connected the experiences of individual women to broader social inequalities. She credited the activist with helping build the movement for women’s equality and opening doors for millions of women who followed. Recalling Steinem’s influence on issues ranging from education and employment to reproductive rights and women’s participation in sports and politics, Clinton described her as an optimist whose activism was rooted in the belief that change was possible. “Be like Gloria: Embody possibility, and extend it,” Clinton said in her tribute shared on social media.

Jill Biden says Gloria Steinem’s voice changed America

Former first lady Jill Biden also mourned Steinem’s death, highlighting her decades-long fight for women’s equality and reproductive freedom. “Gloria Steinem understood that women’s equality begins with the freedom to make decisions about our own bodies, health, and futures,” Biden wrote on social media. She praised Steinem for speaking up when it was difficult, listening to marginalised voices and continuing to push for change. Biden added that Steinem’s courage would continue to inspire future generations to defend the freedoms she spent her life advocating for.

Meghan Markle remembers Gloria Steinem as friend and mentor

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, shared a deeply personal tribute to Steinem, posting photographs of the two together and remembering her not only as a feminist icon but also as a close friend and mentor. Markle recalled working alongside Steinem on initiatives encouraging young voters to participate in elections and discussing ways to make society more equitable. She also revealed that Steinem had spent Thanksgiving with her family and had offered her advice during difficult periods in her life. Reflecting on Steinem’s philosophy, Markle recalled the phrase “we are linked, not ranked”, which Steinem had shared with her. She also remembered a piece of advice Steinem once gave a young girl who did not know who she was: “It doesn’t matter if she knows who I am. What matters is that she knows who SHE is.” Markle concluded her tribute by thanking Steinem for the impact she had on generations of women.

Lena Dunham recalls Steinem’s generosity and humour

Writer and filmmaker Lena Dunham also paid an emotional tribute, describing herself as fortunate to have known Steinem personally. Dunham recalled how Steinem, despite her enormous responsibilities and global influence, made time for younger women and activists. She remembered visiting her home, receiving advice about relationships and activism, and witnessing her trademark humour. Dunham also recalled a recent gathering at Steinem’s home and a moment when the feminist icon spoke about watching ‘Call the Midwife’, a show centred on women helping other women. “You worked so hard for us. You gave so much,” Dunham wrote, adding that Steinem’s memory would continue to remind people of what was possible when society remained “linked, not ranked”.

Writers and activists mourn feminist icon

Steinem’s death also prompted tributes from writers, actors and social justice activists. Author Roxane Gay described her as “one of a kind” and praised her generosity, curiosity and thoughtfulness, calling her death a profound loss while pointing to the lasting power of her legacy. Social justice activist Rachel Cargle credited Steinem with inspiring her own activism, saying that she was forever grateful for what Steinem offered the world. Actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein remembered Steinem as an “unstoppable visionary” who demanded equal rights, political representation, reproductive freedom and equal pay. He also recalled working with her on the play ‘Bella Bella’, praising her generosity, intellect, historical knowledge and warmth.

Gloria Steinem’s lasting legacy

Steinem became one of the most recognisable faces of the women’s liberation movement during the 1960s and 1970s. She advocated for reproductive rights, workplace equality and greater political representation for women. She began her journalism career in New York before becoming involved in the launch of Ms. magazine. She also helped establish the Women’s Action Alliance, an organisation dedicated to combating sexism. Over the decades, Steinem remained a prominent advocate for women’s rights and reproductive freedom. Her work and public life were later explored in the HBO documentary ‘Gloria: In Her Own Words’, which used archival photographs and footage alongside Steinem’s own recollections to chronicle the women’s movement through her perspective.