Gloria Steinem is a celebrated feminist, journalist, and social political activist who became recognized as a leader and a spokesperson for the American [[feminism]] movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born on March 25, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, Steinem had a nomadic childhood, traveling across the country with her father in a house trailer until she was eleven years old. Her mother was a newspaper reporter and a teacher who suffered from mental illness. Her parents divorced when she was young, and Gloria spent much of her youth caring for her mother. This early experience informed her lifelong advocacy for women's rights. Steinem attended Smith College and graduated in 1956. After graduation, she spent two years in India on a Chester Bowles Fellowship, where she was exposed to grassroots activism and the Gandhian principles of nonviolent resistance. ## Journalism and feminism Returning to the U.S., she began her career as a journalist in New York. One of her most recognized pieces from this period is "A Bunny's Tale," a 1963 exposé in which Steinem went undercover as a Playboy Bunny at the Playboy Club to expose the poor conditions and treatment of women working there. Gloria Steinem helped to found "New York" magazine in 1968, where she became a politically active columnist. However, she rose to national prominence in the early 1970s as a feminist leader. She co-founded "Ms." magazine in 1972, a groundbreaking publication dedicated to feminist issues, offering a voice to women across the country and beyond. She also co-founded several feminist groups, such as the National Women's Political Caucus, the Women's Action Alliance, and the Coalition of Labor Union Women. ## Equal Rights Amendment Steinem was a strong advocate for the [[Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)]], a proposed amendment to the United States [[Constitution]] designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Despite the failure of the ERA to pass, Steinem's efforts helped raise national awareness about the issue of women's rights. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Steinem remained a significant voice in the feminist movement, and she also took on issues related to [[civil rights]] and peace activism. Her activism, writing, and speaking continue to influence feminist discourse and action. Gloria Steinem has received numerous awards for her journalism and activism over the years. In 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President [[Barack Obama]]. Steinem continues to be active in the feminist movement into the 21st century. In addition to her work in the United States, she has also involved herself in international women's issues and has particularly spoken out about sex trafficking.