On a warm July evening in New York City, amidst the bohemian charm of Greenwich Village, a significant cultural event unfolded at the Minetta Lane Theatre, now known as the Audible Theater. The occasion was a series of speaking engagements featuring the iconic feminist leader, journalist, and activist Gloria Steinem. These two performances, held on July 14 and July 16, would prove to be her final major public appearances before her passing on September 2, 2024. The intimate gatherings, designed to explore the complexities of life’s uncertainties, were meticulously documented and are slated for release as an Audible Original on September 17, offering a lasting testament to Steinem’s wisdom and enduring spirit.
The event, aptly titled "Yes to the Unknown: A Night with Gloria Steinem," drew an audience eager to glean insights from a woman who had spent decades illuminating complex social issues and advocating for equality. Attendees, many of whom had followed Steinem’s work for years, sought not only an "aha moment" but also a sense of connection and reassurance in navigating their own life’s unknowns. The atmosphere, far from being solely intellectual, was imbued with a palpable sense of calm and joy, an "energy shift" that underscored the profound impact of Steinem’s presence.
Steinem’s discourse spanned a rich tapestry of topics, weaving together reflections on her groundbreaking journalism career, candid discussions about personal relationships, and, most importantly, her timeless messages on the vital importance of mutual understanding, community, and collective solidarity. "We acquire a certain group of people who understand us, and that’s what keeps us going," she shared, a sentiment that resonated deeply with those present. This emphasis on connection and validation, particularly poignant in an era often marked by increasing isolation, served as a central theme of the evening.
A Career Forged in Journalism and Activism
The program commenced with a prerecorded invocation from writer, activist, and longtime friend Alice Walker. Her voice, amplified in the darkened theater, delivered a moving poem that poetically captured the essence of Steinem’s perceptive nature, opening with the evocative line, "She is the one who will notice that the first snapdragon of spring is in bloom…" As the lights returned, Steinem was revealed seated on an inviting orange velvet chair, the backdrop a curated salon-like display of photographs and posters chronicling her illustrious past.
Moderated by Amy Richards, a close friend, collaborator, writer, and producer, the event delved into the foundational elements of Steinem’s career. Richards highlighted Steinem’s trajectory from a "girl reporter" to a pivotal figure in shaping contemporary journalism. Her early work at New York magazine, a publication she helped to co-found, provided a crucial platform for amplifying the burgeoning women’s liberation movement. This initiative was born out of a recognized need for outlets that would offer opportunities to a wider, more diverse range of writers, a stark contrast to the limited professional landscape for women in journalism at the time. "That’s part of the reason we started New York magazine – to have a place where unexpected, diverse writers could actually write," Steinem explained.
Steinem’s journalistic prowess was further exemplified by her incisive profiles of prominent figures, including Barbra Streisand, Barbara Walters, James Baldwin, and John Lennon. The iconic 1964 Cosmopolitan cover featuring her profile of Lennon, titled "Beatle with a Future," was prominently displayed, serving as a visual anchor to her early investigative work. Reflecting on the Lennon piece, Steinem noted the profound educational value of her profession: "That’s the joy, actually, of being a writer, especially a freelance writer of diverse things, you get to learn continuously through your life."
Her reverence for James Baldwin, whom she profiled for Vogue and covered at the historic 1963 March on Washington, was palpable. Steinem expressed a fervent hope that simply mentioning his name would inspire a new generation to discover his powerful literary contributions, stating, "I hope just saying his name again tonight causes those of you who might not yet have read his words to discover him."
The Legacy of a Mother’s Influence and a Writer’s Calling
Steinem’s own path into writing was deeply influenced by her mother, who had been a reporter for the Toledo Blade. "How I thought of writing as the main way of expressing myself, I’m not sure. I think partly because my mother had been and loved being a reporter for the Toledo Blade, and I think I must have got infected with it then," she mused. She spoke with a mixture of admiration and regret about her mother’s unfulfilled journalistic aspirations, lamenting, "She should’ve been able to do what she loved." This personal connection underscored Steinem’s commitment to creating opportunities for others, particularly women, to pursue their passions without constraint.
In her 2019 book, The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off!, Steinem articulated the unique power of language, observing, "Somewhere between poetry and journalism lies the magical land of quotes." This sentiment was embodied throughout the evening as she shared numerous aphorisms that have since become touchstones for many. Her strength and wisdom were evident not only in her words but also in her thoughtful demeanor and genuine smile, which, as one observer noted, "transcended time."
Navigating the Unknown and the Power of Connection
The event’s title, "Yes to the Unknown," served as a guiding principle for the discussions. Steinem encouraged her audience to embrace uncertainty with courage and an open heart. Her words offered solace and inspiration, particularly to those grappling with personal challenges. She emphasized the critical need for individual voices, urging, "We need your voice. We need your eyes and your heart and your way of seeing things that otherwise might never be known. So remember your favorite authors, whoever they are, and follow them and give us your voice."
When queried about maintaining her independence and well-being at 92, Steinem drew a clear distinction between solitude and freedom. She expressed profound gratitude for her "chosen family" of friends, highlighting the indispensable role of mutual support in personal growth: "We need to support each other in our choices – that’s what friends are for, that kind of support that allows you to become the unique individual that you are."
Richards, the moderator, playfully engaged Steinem by referencing a list she had compiled of former romantic partners. Steinem responded with characteristic wit and grace, recounting anecdotes and sharing insights into these past relationships without any apparent burden. One notable story involved an engagement that prompted her to seek a period of reflection in India, a transformative experience that significantly shaped her development as a writer and activist. Her ability to embrace these past chapters without letting them define her, while maintaining positive connections with many of their families, exemplified her profound capacity for enduring relationships.
Voices from the Past, Echoes for the Future
The program featured actress Keri Russell, who read excerpts from Steinem’s earlier journalistic pitches, including proposals for Vogue on topics as varied as "how to watch professional football games" and "interesting bathrooms of interesting people." Russell also read correspondence between Steinem and her ex-boyfriends, as well as a poignant exchange with Jane Fonda, which included Steinem writing, "It’s odd how we only realize how powerful a force was in our lives after it is gone…" These readings offered a unique glimpse into Steinem’s multifaceted personality and the evolution of her thought processes.
Steinem’s insights into the human need for connection were particularly striking when she spoke about the detrimental effects of solitary confinement. She underscored the fundamental nature of human beings as social creatures, emphasizing the physiological benefits of interaction, such as the release of oxytocin, which fosters empathy. To combat isolation, Steinem shared a personal practice: "When I was home a lot and missing community, when I first left my apartment on the street, I would experiment with just talking to the first person I saw." She recommended this simple act as an experiment in connection, noting its potential for surprise, understanding, and empathy. This resonated with the author of this account, who found that reaching out to online acquaintances for in-person meetings often led to deeper, more meaningful connections, transcending the limitations of digital interaction.
Enduring Messages of Understanding and Connection
Throughout her career, Steinem consistently championed the nurturing of relationships and the building of robust communities. When asked for guidance during challenging times, she reiterated the paramount importance of feeling understood: "What’s precious is your feeling of being understood. You can’t live without that." This core principle served as a guiding light for her advocacy and personal philosophy.
The evening concluded with the reading of "Fair Play," a poem Steinem had written and pitched to The New Yorker in 1993, though it was initially rejected. This poem, published posthumously by The New Yorker on September 3, 2024, as her "Final Essay," encapsulates her belief that "Standing up for your own full humanity is an example you can give to others." This essay, alongside her final public appearances, serves as a powerful coda to a life dedicated to personal and collective liberation.
The author’s personal reflection on the profound impact of Steinem’s words is particularly resonant in light of recent personal loss. The reaffirmation provided by Steinem’s messages of connection and understanding offered solace during a period of deep grief. Steinem’s poetic description of intergenerational friendships, comparing them to a process of "remembering" rather than merely "learning," highlights the enduring essence of human connection that transcends temporal boundaries.
Her insights into maintaining friendships, likening the initial stages to falling in love and emphasizing the lasting sense of connection that remains, further underscore her profound understanding of human relationships. Drawing inspiration from her mother and grandmother’s beliefs in reincarnation, Steinem suggested that each individual leaves a lasting imprint – an understanding, a memory, a touch – on those they encounter. This legacy of connection and understanding, forged through a lifetime of activism and authentic human engagement, is the enduring gift Gloria Steinem leaves to the world. Her final public appearances served not only as a poignant farewell but also as a vibrant continuation of her lifelong mission to foster a more connected, empathetic, and understood humanity.
