Historical photos show Gloria Steinem in Maine over three decades
Gloria Steinem, Pioneer of American Feminism, Dies at 92
Portland, Maine – On September 3, 2026, celebrated feminist writer and activist Gloria Steinem passed away at the age of 92. Steinem, who co‑founded Ms. magazine and spent decades speaking out on gender equality, left a legacy that shaped the modern feminist movement in the United States.
Steinem’s career spanned more than five decades of public speaking, writing, and organizing. She became one of the most recognizable voices of the women’s movement in the 1960s and ’70s, traveling the country to lecture on campus rallies, community centers, and political marches. Her work helped bring feminist ideas into mainstream conversations, and she continued to be a vocal advocate for women’s rights throughout her life.
Maine Connections
While Steinem’s influence was national, she also had a long history in Maine. Her first recorded public appearance in the state occurred on February 27, 1975, when she addressed a group of Maine newswomen during a communications seminar held in Portland on the campus of what was then the University of Portland‑Gorham. The event highlighted her role as a mentor to younger journalists and her commitment to amplifying women’s voices in media.
In September 1997, Steinem returned to the state to speak to the women’s law section of the Maine Bar Association in South Portland. The audience included legal professionals and students, and the discussion focused on the intersection of law and feminist advocacy.
Steinem’s most recent public engagement in Maine took place in 2013, when she spoke to a capacity crowd at Lorimer Chapel on the campus of Colby College. The event was part of a student‑led week celebrating multiculturalism, and Steinem’s remarks were well received by a diverse audience of students and faculty.
Legacy
Steinem’s death marks the loss of a woman who helped launch Ms. magazine in 1972 and who spent her life championing women's equality, reproductive rights, and broader social justice. Her activism inspired countless activists, writers, and ordinary citizens, and her speeches across Maine stand as a testament to her enduring influence in the state.
