Gloria Steinem, a towering figure in feminist thought and activism, has passed away at the age of 92. Her prolific career as a writer, a co-founder of Ms. Magazine, and a vocal advocate for reproductive rights and the Equal Rights Amendment has left an indelible mark on American culture. In the wake of her passing, her extensive body of work and numerous public appearances are available to stream, offering a chance to revisit her influence.
One of the most direct engagements with her life is the 2011 HBO documentary "Gloria: In Her Own Words." This film provides a focused look at Steinem's life story, with particular attention to her role in the women's liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Though its 62-minute runtime offers a concentrated view, it serves as a significant biographical resource.
Steinem's impact extends beyond biographical films, as seen in "MAKERS: Women Who Make America" (2013). Initially conceived as a film about Steinem herself, the project evolved into a broader documentary tracing women's rights in the U.S. from the 1950s through the late 20th century. Steinem remains a prominent figure within this extensive historical narrative.
Another significant piece of media accessible for streaming is "Dear Ms.," an HBO documentary exploring the history of Ms. magazine, a publication Steinem co-founded. The film features interviews with Steinem and other key figures involved in the magazine's inception, including Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Pat Carbine, and Suzanne Braun Levine.
For a broader perspective on global women's issues, the 2016 series "WOMAN with Gloria Steinem" offers an anthology-style exploration. Steinem hosts this series, which delves into various women's issues across different countries, including the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Colombia, and Zambia. The complete series is available for free streaming on Tubi.
Steinem is also featured in the Netflix miniseries "Live to Lead." One of its seven episodes is dedicated to interviews with Steinem, highlighting her as a significant thinker and leader.
Her presence in popular culture is further illustrated by her portrayal in the 2020 FX miniseries "Mrs. America." In this production, Rose Byrne depicts Steinem in the 1970s, navigating the political landscape alongside other feminists striving to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, often in opposition to conservative activists like Phyllis Schlafly, played by Cate Blanchett.
Beyond documentaries and dramatic portrayals, Steinem's experiences have been adapted into film. Her 1963 exposé of her time as a Playboy Bunny, originally published in Show magazine, was adapted into the 1985 television movie "A Bunny's Tale." While not widely available on official streaming services, the film, starring Kirstie Alley as Steinem, can be found on YouTube.
Steinem also made notable guest appearances on television series. These included roles as herself in "And Just Like That…" on HBO Max, "The Good Wife" (Season 6, Episode 3), and "The L Word" (Season 2, Episode 13), underscoring her enduring status as a cultural icon.