Gloria Steinem, the journalist and feminist trailblazer, has died at 92, a post on her official Instagram page said Thursday.
Steinem was one of the most high-profile figures in the fight for women’s equality on the national stage over many decades. She died peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by loved ones, the post said.
“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” the post read.
“Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor.
“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.”
She was a leader in the women’s liberation movement, co-founded Ms. magazine, and helped launch a wide variety of groups and publications dedicated to advancing civil rights.
Steinem received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s top civilian honor, in 2013, as well as dozens of other awards over the course of her career, and remained an active voice for women’s rights until her death.
The post requested that those wishing to honor her with a gift donate to Gloria’s Foundation.
Paying tribute, Roxane Gay, the author of “Bad Feminist”, said: “Gloria was one of a kind. Genuine, generous, curious, thoughtful. She lived a staggering life and her passing is a staggering loss tempered only by the ferocity of her legacy.”
