Women’s Media Center co-founder Gloria Steinem — journalist, author, activist, and feminist organizer — celebrates her 85th birthday on March 25, 2019. The Women’s Media Center is commemorating this happy occasion by posting short birthday greetings from over 85 artists, journalists, activists, and many life-long friends from around the globe expressing what the women’s rights pioneer has meant to them and to the feminist movement.
LIZ ABZUG
How does one summarize Gloria’s long, rich, and successful life as a writer, feminist activist, mother of knowledge, soulful warrior? How can you not admire this one beautiful woman who continues to be so steadfast and dedicated by leading at the forefront of our movement?
I have known and watched Gloria in fierce, intelligent struggle with caring action since my 20s. She was like a surrogate daughter to my mother — part of our family
Gloria loved Mom and considers her to be one of her greatest mentors! Bella loved Gloria like a lioness loves a cub and admired her endless commitment as a feminist, writer, activist. Bella also knew that while Gloria loved and respected her, Gloria was at times truly afraid of mom’s rip-roaring manner!
But Gloria and Bella always prevailed as loving friends and strategic partners in the fight for equality.
Gloria is power, intelligence, spirit, compassion, and integrity, an unrelenting leader in our movement and fight for women’s equality, civil rights, and the truth! WMC
REBECCA ADAMSON
Every month during the full moon many Native women hold ceremonies of thanks to Grandmother Moon. She is a powerful and sacred entity who brings balance, cycles, and direction to us. Grandmother Moon teaches us about our sacred role as the Life Givers and the heart of our nations — for without women Life and our nations can not go on. Grandmother Moon must have sent us Gloria to give us direction and light our way out of the darkness of patriarchy. WMC
CHRISTINE AHN
In 2015, after we crossed the DMZ into South Korea from the North, some organizers suggested I stand in the back of the march to avoid being hit with acid. I will never forget Gloria’s response: “Christine is our leader. She will be in the front and walk arm-in-arm with me and Leymah. We will protect her.” She is the embodiment of feminist leadership, always practicing her popular refrain: We are not ranked, but linked. Happy 85, Gloria. WMC
Love you so much,
Christine
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR
Gloria is a gorgeous, gritty, generous game-changer! I am motivated every time I see her, and inspired by her exhortations like “Feel the fear and do it anyway!” Or “Don’t agonize, organize.” And about the weirdly contentious f-word, she explains, “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and humanity of all people.” Got it? Now … Just Do It! And because we women like to look good while doing good, at 85 Gloria still looks soooooooooooooo good! WMC
LOREEN ARBUS
Gloria Steinem is my very first living, breathing heroine. All the other remarkable women who have been my heroines came from the ruthlessly edited pages of history books.
For those of us who have the enviable, incredible good fortune to be blessed with knowing her, we all have a profound collective mission to empower as many people as possible with her vision and to be brave, outspoken, and committed to the gospel of Gloria. WMC
CRISTINA AZOCAR
A few years ago I filed a sexual harassment grievance against my supervisor. It took four years for it to finally settle, and it protected many women from going through what I went through. Without the groundbreaking work that Gloria did for women, I would not have been empowered to file a grievance. Even filing it might have been impossible if not for the push for women’s rights in the workplace. I’m looking forward to the next 20 years of Gloria fighting for women everywhere. WMC
JOY BEHAR
Gloria famously said, “This is what 40 looks like.” That simple response is so much more than an anthem of strength for 40-year olds, but an empowering declaration for every woman, at every age to unapologetically be themselves. Gloria has always unapologetically been herself. She has inspired countless women including me, to challenge the status quo and fight for political, social and economic power to women. She’s the woman we want our daughters to grow up to be. Hell, she’s the woman I want to grow up to be. To my friend Gloria, Happy Birthday! WMC
JANET DEWART BELL
Other than my mother and Derrick Bell, Gloria has had the most profound impact on my life. We met in 1973, when I co-authored an article for Ms. magazine — with Gloria as my editor! All my writing since, including my book, Lighting the Fires of Freedom: African American Women in the Civil Rights Movement, bears the influence of Gloria's exhortation that not only do words matter, feeling and authenticity matter. Mentor, friend, and guiding light, she will tap-dance to heaven on the wings of angels. WMC
BETTY
The Origin of the Name Gloria
By the band BETTY
Amy:
“Derived from the Latin glōria (glory).”
Glory Glory Hallelujah!
It would take us about 85 years
to sing just some of your praises
Elizabeth:
“People with this name often achieve great power.”
You are a truly intersectional, inclusive, amazing feminist.
You speak and the world is a better place.
You are a mentor, tap-dancer, and friend.
You are truth to power.
Alyson:
“People with this name have a deep inner need
to learn the deeper truths.”
One moment changed my world
One remark made with a chuckle
In the packed theater at the eager University
A baby cried, a woman blushed
and rose to whisk her squalling child away
You said, “Stay, of course. Babies cry. What could be more natural?”
A quick breath and a boulder of power shifted
I’d never seen it, just the long shadow
Suddenly, it lifted
for everyone in the room and left us all stronger
What name began as the opposite of “shame”? ;
Gloria WMC
JENNIFER BUFFETT
Happiest Birthday wishes, Gloria!
How fortunate we are to have enjoyed your soft & strong guiding presence and support in the unfolding of NoVo’s work these past dozen years!
Thank you for inspiring, loving, and laughing along the way! WMC
Blessings!
Jennifer Buffett
JULIE BURTON
Gloria — I call you in the early evening to discuss something important. To my chagrin, I reach you in Cannes, not New York — and it is 3 a.m.! But you sound genuinely happy to hear from me — as you always have for 30 years. This is who you are: the kindest, most generous, most committed and hopeful person I know. I will never forget standing together on the stage of Constitution Hall for our very first Voters For Choice concert. And the night we cheered the election of our first fully pro-choice U.S. president. And the day I joined the Women’s Media Center. For all these years you have always been where you are most needed — at the podium, on TV, on the plane, on the phone, at the computer — to build the movement for equality and social justice. Your voice, your ideas, your empathy and activism have had a profound impact on our world. I am so very lucky to know and work with you. Thank you for letting me be part of your life for these many years. I can’t wait for what comes next. Happy Birthday! Love, Julie WMC
PAT CARBINE
Gloria, I’m remembering one of the amazing birthday parties you surprised me with at Ms. (my 45th). We all wore green buttons that read: “It’s Just a Number.” So on YOUR glorious 85th Birthday, please remember: “It’s Just a Number on Your Way to 100.”
You are a life-changer, a treasured friend who continues to inspire. WMC
With love and appreciation,
Pat Carbine
CRISTAL WILLIAMS CHANCELLOR
Gloria has many wonderful attributes, but what stands out for me is her kindness and compassion. Years ago, my grandmother died after a slow decline. I had spent months traveling back and forth to New Orleans to spend time with her and support my parents with the caregiving. After she passed, a heartwarming care package arrived at my parents’ home from the Women’s Media Center with a gorgeous orchid, delicious pies, and beautiful, handwritten condolence notes, including an especially lovely one from Gloria. WMC
SORAYA CHEMALY
It’s very hard to put into words what Gloria’s words and work mean to women all over the world. No matter where I go, no matter what the ages of the people I talk to, they know her and the immense value of her commitment to women’s human rights and equality. For me personally, my earliest memory of being struck by her work was when I read her writing about her own mother. What she described resonated powerfully with me. Since first reading those words, I’ve come to realize how many of us, doing this work, share memories like hers. In fact, one of the great untold stories of our public and cultural lives is what it means for women to stand in defense of their mothers. Many people assume as mothers that women defend women’s rights on behalf of their daughters and generations to come. I’ve realized, over the years, how much of what women do is actually to correct the wrongs done to their mothers. Happy birthday, Gloria, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do! WMC
ELLEN CHESLER
My deep affection for Gloria spans five decades. We met way back when I was a young staffer with Carol Bellamy. Gloria was already an icon but generously took an interest in our policy work. She cheered me on when I later wrote about Margaret Sanger, and when I went back to work on women’s rights at the Open Society Foundation. I have a cherished memory of bringing Gloria to an event at George Soros' apartment for Hillary. He was unabashedly star-struck! Aren’t we all? WMC
Happy Birthday, dear friend,
Ellen
FARAI CHIDEYA
I remember many years ago when I was on a trip to a university with Gloria and Amy Richards. One night, I got into a conversation with Gloria about whether there can be feminist porn. I had to pinch myself — was this really happening? How lucky was I? We didn’t agree on all points, but that’s precisely what made it great. Gloria keeps it real. Cheers to you, Gloria! Keep on keeping on, with realness and regalness. WMC
Farai Chideya
DAVID CORN
For years, what I most relished about Gloria (and envied her for) was her remarkable ability to deftly and elegantly reveal and dissect the destructive power imbalances of American life. Yet now as a father, I treasure Gloria for inspiring my two daughters and for showing them — and so many others across multiple generations — how one can be a great human being, a kickass woman, and a warrior for social justice over an entire lifetime. There’s no higher praise: She has taught us all. WMC
LETTY COTTIN POGREBIN
I met Gloria 48 years ago at the founding conference of the National Women's Political Caucus. For 17 years, my desk was ten feet from hers at Ms. magazine, but our friendship long ago outgrew our professional relationship. Knowing this, people often ask me, “What's Gloria really like? She can't be as kind/wise/funny/caring/patient/loving/warm as she appears.” The answer is, Yes she can. And she is. Unlike most cultural icons, what you see is who she is — genuinely. I have many stories about my amazing friend, but this one may be the most emblematic of her generosity: A few years ago, she bowed out early from a London conference at which she was a featured speaker and flew all night across the ocean and the next day across the U.S. in order to arrive in San Francisco in time to appear with me at an event promoting one of my books. There was nothing in it for her but my gratitude.
Which is exactly what I'm sending to you, Gloria, on this auspicious day — gobs of gratitude and mountains of love for all that you are and everything you do to improve our world. Happy 85th birthday, WMC
Letty
KATIE COURIC
Gloria — because of you, I became a card-carrying member of the feminist party. When anyone eschewed the label, I’d remind them what the word means: the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes, and who the hell can argue with that? You made me believe that anything was possible. Thank God for you, Gloria! The world is a better, more equitable place because you’re in it. WMC
With love and deep admiration,
Katie
GEENA DAVIS and the GEENA DAVIS INSTITUTE ON GENDER IN MEDIA
Gloria,
You are an inspiration; I treasure your vision and our friendship. Birthdays are a time for wishes and dreams to come true. You once said, “Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities.” This rings true every day. You have taught generations of women and girls to dream big, and have touched the lives of millions. Happy Birthday! WMC
DONNA DEITCH
“How can I help?” I learned the power of this question from Gloria.
In 1980 I was raising money for my lesbian love story Desert Hearts, asking everyone if they knew Gloria. I wondered, would she understand my passion to tell this story? We met. I gave her my script. What would she say? She simply asked: “How can I help?” Wow! I knew Gloria meant it, I registered how I felt. The memory of Gloria's question became my inspiration to ask that question myself. WMC
ABIGAIL E. DISNEY
Dear Gloria, I know you are a big deal and everything, but I just want, on this big birthday, to make sure you know that it is in all the ways you are a small deal that you the most amazing. You are a kind and loving friend and you mean more to me than I can ever say. Oh, and thanks for all the feminism too.... WMC
Love, love, love, Abby
LENA DUNHAM
Gloria,
Most women (most people) have a strong passionate feeling about you. It’s adoration and admiration, and if it isn’t then that’s a pretty automatic tell that I don’t want to know them. I never thought I’d get the chance to also have quiet, intimate feelings about you — I love the way you ask questions, with true child-like curiosity and innocence or fiery pointedness. I love the way you can’t seem to lie or even fake it. I love your home, dense with evidence of your travels. I love your Egyptian cat and your Southwestern belts and the fact that you are always serving some exotic tea concoction. I love your teenage glee when we saw Wonder Woman in theaters and the fact that you gab on the phone a lot, also like a teenager. I love that in your private life you walk the walk, advocating for women globally and also close to home. I love that you write like you talk and talk like you write. You’re pretty, and you only get prettier. You’re tough but you seem to get softer. You make people feel cool just by smiling at them. I’m so happy you smile at me.
Happy birthday, dear one. You are epic but you are also just a girl, still. WMC
I love you.
Lena
BLAINE EDENS
Elton and Aretha may have gotten our singing talent, but I don’t think we did so bad in the gifts department either. Lucky to share a birthday, and so much more (!) with you. WMC
To so many more laughs, Blaine
JOANNE EDGAR
LAUREN EMBREY
Happy 85th Birthday, Gloria!
I came alive the moment you spoke at my Dallas, Texas all-girls school when I was a young teenager in the 1970s. You have meant so much to me ever since, and you mean even more to me now as I have been honored to learn who you truly are: a woman who uplifts, invites, includes, listens, inspires, extends her arms to others and who truly sees someone. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your life and for your legacy; sisterhood is the greatest gift I could have ever been given. WMC
With Love and Admiration,
Lauren
EVE ENSLER
Happy Birthday, Gloria, and thank you.
Thank you for your endless wit and fiery brilliance and ability to sum up the universe in two lines.
Thank you for being there and stoking the fires of so many of us when we were finding our way.
Thank you for modeling transformation and tenacity and fierceness and humor and outrage.
Thank you for every flight, every train ride, every speech, every article, every book that moved us closer to our liberation.
Thank you for never giving up. WMC
GLORIA FELDT
Dearest Gloria, when Alex and I brought you to speak at Arizona State University, starstruck female students followed us out. Hanging onto each other for courage, they blurted out what a role model you are to them. One even asked to marry you! Exhausted though you were, you thanked them graciously and asked what they were studying. I love that blend of celebrity and humility, star power and humanity you show to all. Happy 85th and many more. WMC
Xox
The Other Gloria
SALLY FIELD
Gloria is more than a feminist. More than an activist, a writer, an entrepreneur. Much more than an icon or a hero. She is indelible and irreplaceable. The women in my generation and the generations who follow will always be in her debt. Happy 85th birthday, and ... thank you. With much love and gratitude. WMC
BARBARA FINDLEN
Gloria, you were an inspiration to me long before I met you. And over the years of our shared work at Ms., and now the Women’s Media Center, what a privilege to experience firsthand your great integrity, steadfast leadership, and kind friendship. You’ve always been there for me and for my family, and I’ll always be grateful. WMC
With love and admiration,
Barbara
LAURA FISCHER
Thank you for all you are and all you do.
With my love, Laura
JANE FONDA
The first thing I feel whenever I'm in Gloria Steinem's presence is safe. She makes me feel safe. That's because she is deeply kind. Her slender body seems to curve towards you like a parenthesis, leaning in, protecting. Though she is barraged by demands on her time, she is always willing to stop and listen, wanting to help, to understand. I know there are literally millions of women (I have personally spoken to hundreds of them) whose lives have been changed by Gloria's words. She has a way of expressing not just the zeitgeist, but what's behind the zeitgeist, that seem to rearrange neural pathways in women's heads — “OMG, of course, that's how it's supposed to be; that's why I've been feeling this way; that's what it means; I am not alone!” Only the truest of leaders possess these qualities. Aren't we lucky to have her? WMC
Happy Birthday, dearest Gloria.
JO FREEMAN
Gloria: You've always come through when I needed you. May you live long and prosper.
ALISON KIEHL FRIEDMAN
You taught me that the ends are the means. If I wanted dancing, laughter, friendship, justice, and equality at the end, there needed to be dancing, laughter, friendship, justice, and equality along the way.
You live that way. With disabled cats and learnings from elephants. You embody a talking circle, a protest, a thoughtful policy, and really great sex. Always linking, never ranking, you are fun and empathy; outrage and possibility.
There is nothing I love in my life that hasn’t been bettered by you. WMC
ANNE KIEHL FRIEDMAN
Gloria is a real-life Giving Tree. She gives herself — intuitively, gracefully, selflessly, ceaselessly — to everyone she meets. Sometimes it’s wisdom, other times it’s her honorarium or a piece of jewelry recently acquired, but she’s always giving. And she does it without any expectation of return. She does it because it comes naturally. Gloria has taught me so much, but most uniquely: that power can be generous. Happy Birthday, Gloria. Who you are in the world is a gift, and you never stop giving. Love, Anne WMC
ELLIE FRIEDMAN
Tribute to Gloria on yet another Milestone Birthday
Gloria leads with choice words — always.
One such life-changing encounter with Gloria’s silver tongue was on an intimate and intense (aren’t most times with Gloria?) trip to Botswana to witness the dislocation, deprecation, and disruption to the lives of its native people, the Khoisan. After five days in the bush, we were heading to a displaced village when we passed a grocery store. “Starved” for shopping, our gang of women descended into this oasis of basic provisions — water, toothpaste, fruit, cookies. Getting out of the jeep, a group of thin-as-rakes, dirty Khoisan children with pleading eyes and stretched hands begged for anything — something. They broke my already depleted spirit. I followed the others inside, looking down. At checkout, Gloria saw my huddled spirit. “Are you O.K.?” I tried to stop the tears. A strong, gentle arm immediately surrounded my shoulders, and a strong, gentle voice said, “Alice Walker always said, ‘The way forward is with a broken heart.’” And that’s become my mantra for life. (Gloria also said, “give the kids some water and cookies.”) She found the perfect quote, giving credit to its writer, the right action, and the resonant moment to save me.
Gloria for 85 years has saved us, with her words (and soul) which offer personal, political, philosophical, prophetic perspectives in pursuit of a decent, equal, and compassionate world. She not only walks her talk, but she’s constantly talking to us.
What’s often forgotten about Gloria is how funny she is. But that’s for another birthday. WMC
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Savior! Ellie Friedman
NICOLE GARWOOD
Gloria,
A love of cowboy boots. An unending appreciation for a center-part. Show love to all women. Hear them. See them. Be them. A positive approach to every situation, often with a fierce sense of humor. Break the rules if they don’t fit. Stand tall. Listen first. Create circles. They create your community. Embrace the F word. Happiest of birthdays, Gloria! Thank you for guiding me towards these valuable life approaches. WMC
All love, Nicole
ALICIA GARZA
Thank you for your vision, your strategy, your kindness, and your vulnerability — offered up to the world to learn from, grow beyond, and to be inspired by. You teach us that we must always learn, convene, create circles in which we can be seen and heard. You teach us that we owe it to ourselves to love each other as if our lives depend on it, because they do. You have given life and hope to so many! Happy birthday, beloved! WMC
Alicia
LEYMAH GBOWEE
In 2009 on Easter Sunday, I had the pleasure of sitting with Gloria Steinem in her home in New York. We talked about feminism, life, sisterhood, and friendship. I cherish that day because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit with such wise woman under the “Baobab Tree” of knowledge. Beyond the wisdom, the humility and authenticity ... I learned that day that these are legacy traits. Gloria is more than an Icon, she walks her talk and carries everyone along. I am grateful that God found it fit for our paths to cross. I celebrate you today and every day. The “Sheroe of Feminism,” Happy Blessed Birthday. WMC
PAULA GIDDINGS
A Terrible Limerick for a Fab Feminist (at 85)
Gloria’s glory
Is quite a story
Full of joy
And fire
And rights we desire
With love that is a priori
— Paula J. Giddings
MARCIA GILLESPIE
Oh, Glo,
Happy 85th!
Maybe you can’t kick it out like you used to on the dance floor, but you haven’t lost a beat when it comes to…
Stepping up and speaking out
Refusing to be daunted by the haters or sink to their level
Cheering on generations of activists
Always seeking to spotlight others
Being of service
Cherishing your friends
Embracing joy and laughter
Exploring, seeking wisdom, sharing ideas.
And staying on the good foot.
So please keep dancing my sister, whenever the spirit moves you. WMC
All love,
Marcia
JUDY GOLD
Glowing, Loving, Original, Righteous, Indefatigable, Activist’s Activist.
Happy Birthday – I Love You,
Judy
KRISTEN GOLDEN
Dear Gloria,
When you hired me to work for you, you changed my life. I was about to move to San Francisco but instead joined the staff at Ms. magazine, where I met my future wife, Barbara. We just celebrated 32 years together! You showed me how to be brave, as you did for millions of other women. Terrified of public speaking, you’d nonetheless take a deep breath, exhale your fears, and raise your voice to challenge systemic oppression for all of those who could not. Personally, you showed me such kindness as you stood with me through incidents of homophobia large and small. I am honored to be your friend and wish you the happiest of birthdays! WMC
JAMES GRANT
Strength Integrity Vision Openness Power Sensitivity Kindness Light Laughter Love Writer Observer Activist Woman Colleague Friend = Gloria Love & Respect & Laughter Now & Always James Grant WMC
FATIMA GOSS GRAVES
Gloria Steinem. For me, that name is synonymous with truth-teller, innovator, and “hopeaholic.” Your boundless energy and belief in the possibility for change in the women’s movement — and in this world — has been a driving influence in so many people’s lives. Your determination and strength have enabled generations of activists to live in this work, and you are a constant reminder that progress only comes by working together. Your voice, your message, your courage — they are timeless. Happy Birthday, Gloria — I’m so grateful for you. WMC
RUCHIRA GUPTA
Walking through the red-light areas of Kolkata or lobbying in Albany, with you I have experienced how immense our movement is. With utter gentleness and tenderness you have taught me that there are more than two choices and helped me find the courage to look for them. Such an adventure in experience happens only too rarely — where the sense of being an Indian or American is lifted off the mind and where the profoundly political is the simplest truth. I hold you so dear; Happy Birthday. WMC
Love Ruchi
BEVERLY GUY-SHEFTALL
Gloria, my beloved sister and comrade, here’s wishing you a birthday full of sweet memories and visions of a better world. What I cherish most about our friendship is your honesty, your unwavering commitments to what you care about, and your willingness to listen. Looking forward to such fun when the book is finished and we can just laugh and reminisce!!! Hugs.
MARISKA HARGITAY
You are strong and determined, wise and unwavering. You are an example, a light, a seeker, and a guide. You are an agent of change — for the good, then more good, then yet more. You are powerful in that steady, poised way that shakes, then topples the status quo. You are a portrait of what one person, one voice, one fierce heart can accomplish. You said, “Girls actually need superheroes much more than boys.” Thank you for being the superhero. We are all forever grateful. WMC
YASMEEN HASSAN
Dearest Gloria,
I hope you get to spend your 85th birthday doing what you love (and not raising money for women’s rights nonprofits!).
I have learnt more from you than you can ever know — your warmth, humor, humanity, sexiness (yes!), and the ease with which you have game-changing conversations across generations have inspired all of us working on women’s rights around the world.
You have been a force at Equality Now, and are we are looking forward to celebrating your 100th! WMC
With love, Yasmeen
DIAHANN HILL
Imagine our world with the lights turned off — and suddenly, all the people you have touched illuminate us all. Thank you for flipping that switch. WMC
Happy Birthday Gloria!
Love, Diahann
CAROLINE HIRSCH
Happy Birthday, Gloria!
I remember the day I met you in 1990, and since that day you have been the most considerate, caring, and giving person, always putting other people’s needs before yours.
God broke the mold when he created you. WMC
Love,
Caroline Hirsch
MELLODY HOBSON
Gloria likes to say that “we are linked, not ranked.” And of course, she’s right. But if we were ranked, Gloria would be at the top of the list of fighters for equality and social justice. She has supported, inspired, educated and delighted generations of humanists. Happy birthday, Gloria. We all celebrate the day you were born. WMC
—Mellody Hobson
ANN HORNADAY
A BIRTHDAY DOUBLE DACTYL FOR GLORIA STEINEM
WITH LOVE FROM ANN HORNADAY
Glory to Gloria
Here’s the true story: Ya
Make our world better
Each day you are here.
What’s great about Steinem?
What’s worth underlinin’?
The wit, smarts and courage
We all hold so dear.
It hardly seems possible
Barely cognoscible
That as you grow older
Your triumphs just climb.
To fans blowing kisses
You’d surely say this is
What 85 looks like.
And on you it’s sublime. WMC
HELEN LaKELLY HUNT
Gloria, I’ve never met anyone as intelligent or as courageous as you. And of all the declared “women of faith” that I’ve ever met in my life, none are more loving than you.
During Women Moving Million’s formative years, I would always tell people that you were my North Star, and I was seeking to follow your lead. Both I and WMM will be wise to always care about your vision for the future. What a joy it is to celebrate the day you were born! WMC
Love, Helen
SWANEE HUNT
Glorious Gloria! You were there for Helen and me as we envisioned our life's work. You've inspired, shaped and guided. And that has made all the difference.
We've been singing your praises through all these decades: Gloria in excelsis! WMC
Love,
Swanee
CONGRESSWOMAN PRAMILA JAYAPAL
Dearest Gloria,
Before I met you, like so many others in the world, I knew you. You taught, inspired, and led generations of women of all ages to believe in ourselves and demand what is only our right. You understand that race and gender are deeply interwoven and you pushed to highlight the women of color who have undergirded feminism for so long. Meeting you across the Hedgebrook farm table with delicious food and evenings that stretched into the night, talking about immigration and circular flow migration, building a deep friendship, and dreaming up ways to make the impossible possible — what an incredible privilege for me! Your generosity in sharing your wisdom, being a mentor, and working on critical issues together is one of the most important hallmarks of who you are. To this day, when I am in a situation and not sure what to do, I pull out my invisible WWGD bracelet and ask myself: What Would Gloria Do? And then the path becomes clear.
Thank you for who you are and what you have done. Thank you for giving hope to so many. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and soul. Thank you for the passion, the fun, and the love. We uphold your legacy with our continued action for justice! WMC
Love and friendship,
Pramila
SARU JAYARAMAN
Happy Birthday, Gloria! On your 85th birthday I want to let you know that you have been a model and inspiration to me and millions of women in the restaurant industry. We meet so many millions of women struggling to deal with sexual harassment and gender discrimination every day in restaurants, and you have been such an inspiration and reminder to millions to keep going, keep fighting, keep our heads up in the midst of the daily, painful assaults. We send you so much love and gratitude for everything you have done for us. WMC
CAROL JENKINS
Dearest Gloria, Happy Birthday. You have given so many hope, pointed people towards love, not hate, and lived a serious, caring life. I have seen you on the world stages and in the quiet rooms with people seeking solace. You never disappoint. You never reject. And your words, whether on the page, or in that inimitable voice, you embrace. The children and I send you love and wishes for more Gloria, especially your texting pal Sophie, who at six already knows that she wants to be you. Smart kid. WMC
CHANDRA JESSEE
Happy Birthday, Gloria!
Last year I was in a board meeting with you. At some point I made a comment and you turned to me and said, “Smart!” My mind went blank and I don’t remember the next 15 minutes of the meeting because I was so excited that you called me smart.
Thank you for being a guiding light in the fight for equality! WMC
Love,
Chandra
DEBORAH JIANG-STEIN
Picture this: Gloria stands at prison security with me. She’s joining my mission to honor and bring hope to one of the last horizons of voiceless women — those hidden, unseen behind bars.
“Remove your scarf,” the guard tells her. “Possible weaponizing.”
“Really?” she replies, then tucks it into the locker. Next, inside the gate, we’re stunned when a prisoner in her 60s pops up, stands tall to salute Gloria, military-style.
We walk the compound, then speak to 100+ women. I learned later they saved the chair Gloria sat on. Nobody is allowed to sit on that chair. WMC
ASHLEY JUDD
Glorious Gloria: Kind, good, warm, encouraging, patient ... Gloria has mentored my growth and development with keen intelligence and brilliant perspective forged by her decades of lived experience. For someone so fierce, she’s is so gentle. That’s perhaps what I love best about her. She wears her inimitable experience loosely. She provides insight and guidance with searing precision and in an ineffably nurturing manner. She is one of a kind, a national treasure. Happy Birthday, Dear Gloria! WMC
NORMA KAMALI
GLORIA Steinem is smart, relevant, and a powerful voice speaking for me and many other women in the ’70s.
Each wave of feminist action builds on the last, and she and other women articulated the uneasy feeling many of us had in the ’70s.
Baby boomers were coming into their own, and our group of women wanted to control our own lives.
As we were struggling with how to make the changes and going where few women had gone before, GLORIA spoke up for us. She inspired us and challenged for us and she always looks great, even to this day! WMC
KRISTINA KIEHL
I remember
Expecting Alison on your 45th birthday
The smile on the woman cop’s face as we crossed the street at the ’84 convention
Your always listening to the women on the ground.
Houston
Our RV tour
Pearl Jam
Your wedding
Wilma’s first race for chief.
Together, we founded Voters, raised hell and great daughters, buried Wilma. Being your political sidecar has been a gift beyond measure. Being your friend absolutely Goddess sent.
Like Wilma said, “I want to be Gloria when I grow up.” WMC
FRANCES KISSLING
One of the wonderful things about Gloria is her ability to say the most outrageous things in the calmest way. Once at a Harvard meeting of both progressive and conservative women in religion, Gloria took the stage and talked about the architecture of the Christian church as modeled on women's bodies: the nave the vagina, the entry to sacred space, the long aisle to the altar like the journey to birthing and so on. Most were stunned into silence, but it was the talk of the lunch hour. WMC
NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Gloria,
For some reason Yamhill Grade School in Oregon's conservative farm country had a copy of Ms. Magazine in its library in 1972. I'm guessing a subversive teacher wanted to read it and thought no one would notice. It was a window into seeing a different world and learning about an incredible woman named Gloria Steinem. And while some people become less extraordinary when you get to know them, others gain statured turn out to be larger not only than life but also larger than legends. That's you, Gloria. Thanks for how you've changed the world, benefiting men as well as women. Happy Birthday! WMC
CHRISTINE LAHTI
When we were rehearsing Gloria: A Life last Fall, I spent a lot of time asking Gloria about her complicated relationship with her mother, which seemed to be the emotional core and driving force of the play. As we dove deeper and deeper, I sensed it was painful for her to talk about, so I asked her if perhaps this was too much for her, if she was OK to go there in the play, and she said calmly, without hesitation, “No, it's fine. If it's not honest, it won't be helpful.”
“If it's not honest, it won't be helpful.” To me, those words capture Gloria's essence. Not just that she is one of the most honest people I know, but it appears that she weighs every single action she takes in her life by whether or not it will be helpful to others. I'm in awe of her unwavering generosity of spirit and her profound passion to always lift others up.
Playing her in Gloria: A Life, I came to understand that maybe because she grew up thinking her mother did not matter; that indeed her own needs didn't really matter, she became determined to make sure all women on the planet mattered.
Happy Birthday to my dearest friend and to the woman who helped me realize, way back in the early ’70s, that I, too, might actually matter, even though I grew up convinced that women were somehow destined to be second-class citizens.
Living inside your skin, eight shows a week for over four months in Gloria: A Life, was one of the most thrilling and greatest honors of my life. People often asked me what it was like playing you. They thought it must have been daunting, given that I was “basically playing Jesus.” But I wasn't. I was portraying a complicated, imperfect, brilliant human being whose honesty about herself was just as inspiring to others as her activism has always been. WMC
DIANE LANE
Happiest of Birthdays, dearest Gloria!
May you feel all the Love coming your way and enjoy it.
Thank you, for all your gifts you share, especially your honesty. WMC
CYNDI LAUPER
At 15, I was first introduced to the woman’s movement and Gloria Steinem. I saw her on the local news speaking out on issues I had personally witnessed, in my home and my neighborhood. She spoke calmly and clearly about fairness and equality in Women’s Rights. Her words resonated and inspired me. And she was funny, too.
Fifteen years later, involved in the women’s movement myself, I was given a song to sing called “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” I saw the possibility that it could be an anthem to empower ALL women of ALL ages. But without Gloria’s advocacy, I’m not sure I would have been inspired the same way." WMC
LYN and NORMAN LEAR
Happy Birthday, Gloria Steinem. We can’t think of anyone in our lifetime who has been more responsible for important, justified, and welcome change. WMC
MICHELLE KYDD LEE
Gotham has the Batphone, Time’s Up has Gloria’s cellphone. I can’t count the number of times I would call Gloria at all hours of the night and day (OK, never early in the morning) to get advice about EVERYTHING. She would listen to all of the scenarios and questions, then calmly reassure that we were on the right path or nudge us back on track if she thought we weren’t thinking big enough. Gloria, you are my favorite “new” friend. I love you dearly. WMC
Michelle
SUZANNE BRAUN LEVINE
How many over-sixty feminists does it take to come up with the name of the tall woman with big teeth who played the spy in that movie about the dog? In my experience it takes 4. But if you want to know the plot of that movie — any movie — told in delightful detail, you only need one: Gloria. I don't know how she does it. But, then, I don't know how she manages to do any of the other awesome things she does. WMC
KARIN LIPPERT
Dearest Gloria,
You said long ago, we were becoming each other’s family at Ms., and it’s still true. Happy Birthday and please come to Toronto again soon. Canada always feels more like home when you visit. WMC
Love, Karin
CATHARINE MacKINNON
In June of 1980, Gloria and I first met through Linda Boreman, who was (as Linda put it) “Deep Throat’s victim, not its star.” Gloria had interviewed her; Linda had asked to meet with me as a lawyer who might have some ideas about the abuse used to make the pornography and its immortal portrayal as the opposite. On the way, Gloria made us (Andrea Dworkin was with us) stop to buy a bag full of household items for Linda — cleaners and some supplies for an impending birth, as Linda was 8 months pregnant. Linda was delighted. This thoughtful sense for what she could usefully provide is so typical of Gloria’s practical warmth.
In the nearly forty years in which we have stuck together since, I have received her loving generosity and kindness. She has invited me into her place in what she calls “your room,” meeting me at the door with a big hug and a “welcome home!” She always stuck up for Andrea Dworkin, who many abandoned and disregarded.
Gloria taught me how to eat a mango, how to pack suitcases inside suitcases for travel, introduced me to her friends all over the world. Whenever we go out in the world together, she is recognized. She is always interested in whoever approaches her, talks with them, introduces them to whoever she is with, connects. Gloria is a study in grace.
From our talks to 3 a.m., our shared experiences with our mothers, our activism together, our discussions of politics, shopping!, our plots to change the world for women — all women, specific women — Gloria, you are my loving sister and close comrade forever, I trust you with my life, your touch moves us all. Life is beautiful because you are in it. May your many days to come be full of the light you give. WMC
Catharine A. MacKinnon (Kitty)
JULIANNA MARGULIES
Happy Birthday Gloria
Happy Birthday, Dear Gloria. When you came to work on The Good Wife, I wanted to make a good impression, but found that I barely had the courage to speak, I was so star struck. You were kind, gracious, and so generous with your time. You’ve been such an important role model for me throughout my life, and there I was on a set, doing a scene with you. An experience I will never forget and always be grateful for. WMC
Thank you.
Love,
Julianna
KATE McCARTHY
Gloria, the picture of you and me — and your medal — is so representative of your generosity of spirit and roots in the movement. As you shared your Medal of Freedom with me, you said you had been given it for all of us. Your leadership, warmth, and knack for changing the paradigm make activism for social change more inclusive, strategic, and fun! To this Brit — with a U.S. citizenship interview next week — you have helped define America and make it a more exciting country to be in. Thank you and very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Much love Kate ox. WMC
PAT MITCHELL
To celebrate Gloria any day is a privilege, and on this special birthday, I’m quoting a male writer — one whose views on many things don’t necessarily align — but with these words, describes, in part, the way I view your life’s journey … so far!
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no “brief candle” to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” — George Bernard Shaw
Happy Birthday, Gloria, and may the torch you lit and continue to carry burn brightly forever! WMC
MICHAEL MOORE
My mother graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1939. She wanted to go on to do so much more, but that was then. The only jobs she could get were secretary or clerk. She was able to go to a junior college for two years, which got her slightly better saecretarial work. I know she wanted something else, but ended up relegated to the few jobs women were allowed to do. She wanted to make sure her daughters and me would live in a different world. Gloria, I remember the first time I saw you when I was a kid, on the Phil Donahue Show. The things you said I had never heard before. I asked my mother about what you said. She said, “Women can do anything men can do, and often do it better.” I wish you could’ve seen the look on my face! Boom! Sometimes change occurs in a nanosecond! Thank you for all you’ve done to make this world a better place. I remain with you in this fight. WMC
ROBIN MORGAN
For GS, an Occasional Light Verse Rhyme, on Her Birthday
--from Robin with love
(after Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, Act II Scene 2,
Enobarbus’s description of Cleopatra, beginning
“The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne . . . “)
The march she strides in, like a furnished room
is sometimes ragtag, but she lends it style. Purple sails?
No, though prose polemical might be — but not her prose.
Her banners are posters she carries, buttons she wears,
and, now added to her demonstrating in the streets:
endless emails, facebook postings, even tweets.
Then there are meetings that she suffers gladly, soundbites
she shares, blurbs she gives, benefits she does, and speeches
and campaigns and quiet offstage acts of love
and puns and laughter most never know of.
And oh, the calls she takes and makes until I fear
we need to amputate the phone’s receiver from her ear.
For her own person, it beggars all description.
In fact, it strains one’s sense of sisterhood,
because she always looks so goddamn good.
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite
anxiety: that she has not yet saved the world enough,
lobbied picketed protested rallied organized
put off her writing deadlines and fundraised fundraised
fundraised enough. Yet she — sophisticated, sentimental,
funny, loyal, corny, smart — still feeds a hungry need where
most she satisfies, and never the word ‘No’
woman heard her speak. So as her friend of 40-plus years,
I can state with proud euphoria, “You are
a modern wonder of the world—and happy birthday, Gloria!” WMC
Robin Morgan
March 2019
MARY KATHRYN NAGLE
Happy birthday, Gloria! Thank you for always including, thinking of, and supporting Native women. Your advocacy on behalf of all women has created a path for so many of us to achieve goals that I know your generation thought would never be possible. But unlike so many others in this country, you have not forgotten Native women, the first women to live on this land, Turtle Island. Your constant recognition of us has rehumanized us in the American public’s perception. Wado, Gloria! You are loved! WMC
KATHY NAJIMY
We call Gloria “The Lord.” She's not thrilled with it, but it's apropos.
I fell in love with Gloria (along with the rest of the universe) when I sat at 14, reading my first Ms. Magazine. I was mesmerized, unleashed, and in love.
This was before the Internet, so we had no idea there were others out there like us: with the same questions, fury, and thirst for connection with a movement. There was finally a name for what we were = we were Feminists!
Her articles were groundbreaking, brave, and hilarious (she remains one of the funniest humans I know).
Then, I met Gloria in the ’80s. I was traveling keynoting and once in a while, if the goddesses were with me, we would intersect at a few of the same events
In the early ’90s, Gloria saw the off-Broadway feminist two-woman play I did with Mo Gaffney, The Kathy and Mo Show, and started coming almost weekly and bringing her friends and staying backstage to hang out and talk.
From there, we developed a personal friendship. I pretended like I was a normal person with her (although I was still floating above murmuring, “It's GLORIA Steinem, The Lord ... and I'm sitting her eating lunch with her like a regular person!”).
In 1998 Gloria officiated and married my husband and I. My husband says, “You were more excited that Gloria was standing next to you at the altar then you were that I was standing there.”
And I said, “Honey, that you KNOW that ... is why I married you.”
Now we are at least once-a-week sister-pals, and here is what I know. Gloria is many things: the smartest person alive, a true historian, a selfless humanitarian, funny and endlessly generous and without ego. EVERYWHERE we go, throngs of folks come up to her to tell their tales: “My mother loved you and you are the reason she went back to school.” “I was in an abusive relationship and because of you I had the courage to get help.” “I graduated college because of you.” “I never understood gender until hearing you speak about Native American culture.” "Your book changed my life, thank you thank you!” And every single time Gloria says back (and means it), “No, Thank YOU! Thank YOU. I can't wait to read YOUR book!”
We spent her 80th birthday in Africa. In fact, on the day of her birthday, rode elephants in a humane sanctuary. The sight of her, little pony tail swinging in the wind, the view landscape of possibilities in front of her — who she is, where she’s come, and what’s still awaiting her — took my breath away.
Gloria is an example of a brilliant life, designed to fit perfectly. Not what others’ expectations are for you, not what's popular, but a life so uniquely created for her and the work she's done to support and save millions of women. She is the smartest, funniest, most FUN to be with person I know — last one at every late-night party. I could watch her joyously laugh at her own jokes for hours. An Icon, a Savior, a teacher, a historian, a humanitarian, and a friend. I love Gloria. WMC
JESSICA NEUWIRTH
There are no words to adequately describe the depth of my gratitude to and for Gloria Steinem. She has always been there in every way for me and pretty much everyone I know. Her extraordinary brilliance and insight are matched by her extraordinary kindness and generosity. Gloria is a gift to the world, and we should all celebrate the day she was born! Happy Birthday, Gloria! WMC
IRENE NEVES
Dearest Gloria,
Butter lamps in Bhutan, red tulips blooming in your backyard, seeing your face when I woke up after cancer surgery, hearing you speak at the Women’s March in Washington. These and so many more are memories I have from over three decades of knowing you. I am so blessed to have you in my life. WMC
With love and gratitude on your 85th birthday!
Irene
AGUNDA OKEYO
Moving Across Generations and Cultures:
I’m a third generation Africa feminist. I have been nurtured by great women all my life including Dr. Achola Pala (my mother) and our dear friend Gloria Steinem. When I look at his moment of ideological complexity, human greed and patriarchal oppression, I take heart in the examples of freedom fighters that came before me. Gloria has been an unwavering ally and friend offering hindsight and progressive ideas for tomorrow. I’m grateful to be in her community of global relationships and feel as prepared as one can be for the challenging times ahead.
ACHOLA PALA
ODE TO GLORIA (OPIJA)
Happy Birthday Gloria. May you continue to use the gifts of your mind and your hand to think and write encouragements to women around the world. In my part of the world, there is a bird called opija. She builds a wonderful intricate and beautiful spacious house made of mud. She builds this house on the eaves of houses where people, live picking pieces of mud beak by beak and bringing them to the place where she has chosen to build her house. There is nothing more beautiful than hearing opija sing in the morning as she starts her work of building. Early in the morning opija can be heard singing the most beautiful song as she picks the mud beak by beak to build the house. She is meticulous, steadfast, tireless, determined, focused and completely undeterred until her house is finished. Opija is a beautiful, slender and delicate bird with dark blue feathers and an elegant long tail. She reminds me of you in your sleek black trousers and tops which have such character. Whenever I see you in New York at your writing desk, you remind me of this hard working bird who is so determined to create a beautiful work of art and all this as she sings the most beautiful song in the morning. And I say to myself, this is how she has been able to sing a song for so many women around the world. You write, you talk, you fight for women with monumental concentration
Well opija keep on singing and working on that house beak by beak.
I guess that is how all those big books are written. A treasure that we all cherish. Your friendship for me is as sweet as the song of opija on an African tropical morning
Well sing on opija
HAPPY 85 OPIJA. MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE, OPIJA
With lots of love
Achola Pala
Kenya
AI-JEN POO
One of the first memories I have with Gloria is when domestic workers held a 24-hour vigil in front of the governor’s office to demand movement on the passage of the New York State Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. I sent her a quick note letting her know we were there. She showed up, brought friends, and stood with domestic workers for hours, sharing stories about past campaigns that she had been a part of to recognize women’s work in the home, to help keep our energy up. She deeply inspired every last one of our members and energized us all for the work ahead.
Gloria always says, feminism is about creating a world where we’re linked, not ranked. She has always lived her life as if we are linked not ranked, and helped us all believe our feminist future is not only possible, it’s inevitable. WMC
ANNA QUINDLEN
Every year I try to remember to send Gloria a message on her birthday, and it always says the same thing: Thank you for my life. Her persistent refusal to take no for an answer, her determination to force the world to welcome its women, her selflessness in going where the need is, has meant that the world in which I grew up and the world in which I now live might as well be different planets in many ways. I have been a reporter, a columnist, a novelist, and a social critic, and in some fashion, through her work, Gloria helped make it all possible. Not enough birthdays to thank her. WMC
BONNIE RAITT
Gloria, you’ve always been a hero and touchstone for me and the generations of women (and men!) whose lives and consciousness you continue to change. You have lived one of the most extraordinary and impactful lives of anyone I know, and I am so glad to be among those coming together to celebrate your incredible milestone 85th Birthday.
May you have many more years of good health, joy, and doing what you love most. It’s been an honor to be your friend and Sister in the fight. WMC
Much love and Happy Birthday,
Bonnie Raitt
AMY RICHARDS
Gloria,
There is a reason that elephants are your favorite animal: They, like you, never forget. I know you are probably laughing at this, but what you remember is what matters: birthdays, favorite foods, favorite fabric ... and how everyone else likes their eggs. Love you to the moon and back. Happy 85th. WMC
Amy
CECILE RICHARDS
As a young organizer, I once drove over to hear Gloria speak in East Texas — and my life was never the same. For a young woman who hoped to make a career out of making trouble, Gloria was — and is — iconic. During my years at Planned Parenthood, there was no more important touchstone. She combines righteous anger, humor, and love, allowing us the space to envision true equality, and is steadfast in her determination to help the next generation of women realize their own power. WMC
DARYL ROTH
Gloria, you have always been an inspiration to me, and having the opportunity to work with you in creating the beautiful and powerful play Gloria: A Life has been a rare and special gift, a highlight of my producing career. I am awed by your intelligence, humility, and grace, and feel embraced by your warmth and generous spirit. Gloria, you enrich our lives, and motivate us to be more involved in the world, and kinder, more compassionate humans. Happiest birthday! WMC
SHERYL SANDBERG
I used to worship Gloria from afar. Then I met her (dreams do come true) and realized she was even more amazing than I imagined. She’s brilliant but relatable (a killer combination) — and she’s hilarious (a powerful tool in the quest to make feminism appealing to everyone).
And she lifts up other women. Gloria read every word of Lean In before it was published and sent pages of thoughtful feedback. She’s beyond generous. She gives everything her all. And we all benefit, again and again. WMC
LINDA SARSOUR
Dear Gloria, I hope on your birthday you are reflecting on the strength and power of the current women’s movement as we shift the narrative, shake the halls of power, and force the world to listen to the roars of women. We honor your decades of commitment and fierceness. We celebrate you, we stand on your shoulders, and we hope we are making you proud. Happy Birthday! WMC
LOIS SASSON
Decades ago my lover flew from Brazil into JFK but was detained 13 hours before receiving permission to enter the U.S. Her crime: possession of a love letter from me. Until 1990, being gay was considered being a “sexual deviant.”
A hearing date was set.
I’d never met Gloria, yet she appeared with an attorney at Gilda’s hearing.
We stood shaking, Gloria was resolute and proud.
Thanks to Gloria’s actual life, we aim higher in our lives.
“Happy Birthday, Our Ageless Wonder Woman.” WMC
Love, Lois
BONNIE SCHAEFER
Gloria,
I know I’ve told you how much you mean to me, but words just aren’t enough to express the gratitude I have for your love and friendship. You are positively the most amazing woman I know. And I’m sure everyone who has the pleasure of knowing you must feel the same.
I’m honored to have been able to spend so much time with you over the years we’ve known one another. To travel the world with you and learn so much from just being in your presence. Watching you interact with women from Africa, India, Nepal. etc. …
Having you talk me down from the embarrassing meltdown I had when we were in India and I was freaking out over mosquitoes and whatever else I was upset about was also a learning experience, as always with you. You told me that it was good to be uncomfortable. I’ll never forget that and all the wise words you imparted not only to me but to others I’ve witnessed over the years. I could actually write a book of short stories about my experiences with you, but in the interest of time I will spare you.
On your 85th birthday and every day, I honor you and bless the day you were born. I hope I can celebrate every birthday with you until at least your 120th!! Because selfishly I want to have you around forever!! Thank you for everything!! WMC
Love,
Bonnie
MARIANNE SCHNALL
Gloria, I feel so fortunate to call you my mentor, role model, and friend. You have offered me defining guidance over the years, whether during one of our interviews or through words of wisdom whispered in my ear. You once told me, “Whatever small change we make will be like a pebble in a pond; it will reverberate outward.” Just as you influenced my life, you have sent out ripples of hope and change in the world, creating a legacy of activism across generations. WMC
AMY SCHUMER
The first time I met Gloria Steinem went the way I would imagine it goes for a lot of people. I rushed up to her and gushed with a shaky voice. “Your work (inhale and exhale) and your quotes (short breath in) have gotten me through my whole life (gasp) and shaped who I am.” I was sweating and shaking a little trying to catch my breath. She responded the way I think she probably has for decades now to trembling women like me. Smiling, listening, and nodding her head. Being as patient as her body would allow her. Letting me run through my script of what I had imagined I would say to her if I met her. I recited some of her quotes to her with her nodding politely and generously waiting for me to finish. “We became the men we wanted to marry.” She finally responded, “You know I don't really remember saying that, but it sounds like me.” She laughed at her own memory. I was surprised to have her looking at me and speaking to me. I was surprised she was human. And she spoke to me like I was a human too. She engaged me in a conversation about women being sexualized and not being able to trust a lot of comedies because of how women are portrayed. She taught me so much that day, as she had been doing since I was old enough to read her. She didn't want to be praised or idolized, she wanted to get to work. She wanted to talk about solution-driven initiatives and her thoughts and she wanted mine. Since then I have had the extreme honor to spend enough time with Gloria to call her a friend, which has been the greatest joy of all. I learned you can run up to her with compliments but she would rather sit with a cup of tea and talk about what's happening and what we are going to do about it. I was honored to speak at her 80th birthday. To stand in front of hundreds of people and speak confidently in a way she didn't even realize she taught me how. But I don't think she really cares how it happened just as long as we are talking. We are linked not ranked, but goddammit you're on the leader board sister. I'll see you at the 90th. I love you, Gloria! WMC
REGINA K. SCULLY
Dearest divine Gloria, wishing you a wonderful joyful and healthy birthday!
There isn’t a day that goes by that your incredible life doesn’t touch other lives in such deep and poignant ways.
I just saw too the play Gloria: A Life in NYC ... and loved it’s just perfect to see your life celebrated and acknowledged in such meaningful ways.
Your Talking Circles will continue to inspire and live on in all of our lives.
You are truly one of the most inspiring and precious people in my life; and I love you dearly.
Every day is a gift. And you are one of the greatest gifts to us all! WMC
So much love, admiration, and friendship,
Regina
P.S. Love and hugs from Johnny, too.
RINKU SEN
Twenty-two years ago, I was honored to receive a Gloria Steinem Women of Vision award from the Ms. Foundation for Women, which remains one of the most meaningful recognitions of my career. For me, Gloria has been a reminder of how great the life of a woman's woman can be — full of love, creativity, and wonder. Happiest birthday wishes to my shero. May she (and we) have many more. WMC
PAMELA SHIFMAN
Gloria has been a dear friend, sister, and mentor for more than 20 years.
Gloria and I have had so many adventures together, but one that stands out is when we first met and traveled together to the Limpopo Provence of South Africa so that we could meet the Rain Queen of the Lovedu. I will forever treasure the hours we spent with Gloria sharing stories of another powerful female chief, Wilma Mankiller.
That day, as always, Gloria’s brilliance, humor, curiosity, and profound kindness shone through.
I love you so much Gloria! Happy Birthday! WMC
ALEXANDRA SHIVA
Dearest Gloria,
Happy birthday! I am so grateful to have met you during such a formative time in my life. Your friendship, guidance, and example have helped shape my life in crucial ways. WMC
All my love,
Alexandra
JENNIFER SIEBEL NEWSOM
Happy Birthday, Gloria! When I made Miss Representation, there was one woman I knew I had to interview for sure — YOU. Your leadership, courage, wisdom, compassion, and fierce empathy continue to make this world a better place. Thank you for all that you do and all that you inspire. We are all leading through your example. Onwards! WMC
MELISSA SILVERSTEIN
Gloria —
It truly has been my honor to know you over the last several decades. Just being in your vast orbit, seeing you on occasion, and experiencing the special power you have to inspire people. But I will never forget the event you hosted for Jane Campion in your home in honor of her film Bright Star. Jane was in awe and wound up in your bedroom and wondered out loud how it was possible that she was in your home. You opened up your home and your life to all of us, and that has been such a gift. WMC
Happy birthday.
Much love,
Melissa
ELLIE SMEAL
On the big 80, Gloria went elephant riding in Africa with dear friends. Can’t wait to see what she does on 85. Happy birthday, dear friend Gloria, keep celebrating many more birthdays and spreading good humor, wisdom, and feminism! Bravo! WMC
JOANNE N. SMITH
Gloria, thank you for inviting me into conversations, strategy sessions, and celebrations in your home and for effortlessly facilitating conversations so that everyone could not only share their thoughts but share their heart.
Your fearless feminism and courage is a guiding light for all of us. Thank you for keeping your torch bright and insisting that we light our own from your flame. Happy Birthday to the gift that keeps on giving.
Love, Joanne, and the Girls for Gender Equity team." WMC
CHARLIE SOAP
Thank you, Gloria, for being a Bold leader taking on the whole world, caring, loving, our women around the world. Your boldness being out front encourages other women and men to make this a better planet. You don’t want recognition for your efforts. For decades you led the fight for women to be treated with respect and have equality on this planet. You want this for all humanity. I am with you in spirit on a special day in your life. Send you much Love. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GLORIA!!! WMC
LORI SOKOL
Dearest Gloria,
Upon discovering Ms. Magazine in 1972, at 12, you first showed me that I am not alone in my feminist beliefs; to reading “If Men Could Menstruate” in 1978, at 17, you taught me the truth about gender stereotypes; to first meeting you in 1992 when you signed my copy of Revolution from Within with the message “To A Sister Writer,” you have guided my work, and my life, for over 45 years, bringing me to where I am today. Wishing you the most Glorious of Birthdays, Gloria!! WMC
With Love,
Lori Sokol
ESTA SOLER
Gloria called domestic violence the original violence, where “laws stopped at the household door in the name of privacy.” Her courage and eloquence in dismantling this fallacy helped us pass the Violence Against Women Act. Gloria showed us how to extract domestic violence from behind closed doors and elevate it onto the national stage, catalyzing our movement. She is our wise voice, our righteous warrior. Thank you, Gloria, for changing the lives of millions of women and children through your advocacy and open heart. WMC
Warmly,
Esta
KATHY SPILLAR
Dear Gloria —
What an incredible impact you have had — and continue to have — for women and girls here in the U.S. and around the world. We are proud and honored to carry Ms. magazine forward; it’s as important a voice today, in this time of Trump and political backlash, as it was when you had the inspiration and courage to launch it. But perhaps most importantly, that you are still rebelling and raising hell at 85 teaches us all about persistence and hope. WMC
Love,
Kathy Spillar
MERYL STREEP
Gloria, thank you for whatever made you give your life to us, for us, make it about all of our well-being — and by Us I mean ALL of us, men, boys, women, girls, all PEOPLE. You clarify the continuing inequities in our society in a calm but passionate, direct but compassionate way. You never give up; and even in moments when you have said you lost heart, you still had more than Captain Marvel — you are a marvel from whom so many have taken courage, inspiration, and energy. I can only imagine that it took a huge hunk of your spirit to give away so much every day for 85 years, but we all still count on you, and thank you, and need you to stay, up front, glorious, waving your flaming Gloriosa sword!!! Happy birthday and love, dear friend. WMC
Meryl
MARY AND STEVEN SWIG
Gloria Inspires others to greatness. Her soft-spoken intelligence coupled with her intense personal and humane spirit, overlaid with a sense of irony, raises each contact with her into a spiritual experience. Her message of the strength of the community causes the establishment of a network of action creating the power to move society to a higher plane of consciousness. She is at the foundation of the new age where humanity triumphs over wealth. WMC
JULIE TAYMOR
Happy birthday Ms. GLORIOUS! It has been an honor spending the last three years invested in bringing the inspiring moments of your life to the screen. We are currently in India for the last days of our shoot and all of us here working on the film never cease being moved by your journey. Many more to come! WMC
Love Julie
TINA TCHEN
Long before I knew the word feminist or why being a girl felt different, I knew Gloria Steinem. It’s impossible to overstate the effect her words, her wisdom, her just being there, had on me as I came of age and into awareness. And it was with tremendous awe that I later met her, worked personally with her, and had her greet me with a big hug and kiss of love and sisterhood. What a gift throughout my life! WMC
MARLO THOMAS
The definition of Gloria Steinem: Giving, Loyal, Outrageous, Resilient, Indefatigable, Authentic. You had me at, ‘Let’s be friends.’ WMC
GAIL TIFFORD
It’s funny how someone you have never met can help you shape the person you want to be. From the time I was a young girl, I was reading books and watching shows about Gloria. And knew that one day, I wanted to do something that would make her proud. Little did I know I would actually get to meet her (or be honored by her!) Her resounding belief that people do what they see, not what they are told, had such a profound impact on me. And led to the inpiration of #SeeHer. Happy birthday, Gloria! You are a true luminary that continues to light up the world! XO WMC
MARISA TOMEI
Let’s go dance
Was your birthday a few years ago ...
Out on the dance floor all evening. All the ladies. All of us dancing together. Lots of disco hits being played — “Ring My Bell,” “Cherché La Femme” ...
And just like that, a gentleman wants in and he’s weighing his moves on you ... well, you shimmy gracefully away, turn your hips towards our girlfriend Rie, even give her a wink! He ain’t getting in our groove on this particular night. I close up the other end of the circle.
Gloria sandwich!! and I was the bread
You are Timeless
Let’s keep dancing WMC
All my love
Marisa
SUSIE TOMPKINS BUELL
Glory Be
What a blessing!!!!
What a radiant light!!!
Steady grace!!
Always there to guide our awareness and trust in one another.
Your resilience and joy have shown us how to be joyous warriors and how not to not lose hope, even when we ought to.
Your heart, power of thought, words, and actions have set a force forever engraved in history.
May we always live up to your expectations of us,
Our forever gratitude to a forever inspiration. WMC
KATHLEEN TURNER
The first word that comes to my mind when I think of Gloria, is “Grace.” She has always carried herself with such ease; interacted with such warmth and willingness; is so quick to smile. I suppose I wasn’t sure how to approach her when we first met. She made me feel welcome and accepted. I have always found the cliché of women against women to be so untrue, and she is proof of our commonality, our unity.
I am richer to have her in my life. WMC
Kathleen Turner
KATRINA vanden HEUVEL
First, a personal memory. My mother, Jean Stein, who would have been 85 this February, and Gloria were at one time dear and trusted friends, part of each other's lives in the early 1960s in New York when both were trying to become freelance writers. Clay Felker, who was later to invent New York Magazine, suggested that they write together; mostly about discovering fun, outrageous, or otherwise entertaining things to do in New York.
My mother once told me how she and Gloria searched out the very best discotheque, which was one that only got lively after 2 a.m. Or how they gave serious advice on the best places to have breakfast after you had been out all night and watched the sun rise.
As Gloria wrote me after my mother’s death, “It was a time when we were young and the nation was being re-born — before the murders of Jack Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy and Malcolm X. That seemed to us to be the death of our future — though of course, we survived and kept on.”
But Gloria hasn’t just “survived and kept on” — she has persevered for decades, with verve and heart, fighting for our rights, using her talents, humor, and passion as a writer/journalist to explain why we struggle for equality and for the full humanity of men and women. She taught me — and millions of women — how to listen to and trust my own voice. And it is a powerful measure of her commitment to the feminist fight that Gloria has always stood with each younger generation’s feminist movement.
Gloria retire? Never going to happen. What I do know is that she will continue to challenge us — for many moons to come — to be as fierce, indomitable, curious as she has been in her unique life. WMC
JESSICA VALENTI
Happy birthday, Gloria! You may not know this, but years ago — when I was still in college — I was an intern at Ms. magazine. We met once while I was there, and you were so generous with your time and advice, and it motivated me to keep writing. Thanks for all you do for feminism, and for the young women who look up to you. WMC
JENNY WARBURG
Happy Birthday, Gloria!!
How to express the many ways our decades-long friendship has continuously enriched and changed my life? Your abiding love, support, and encouragement have had a profound effect on me in ways I will forever be grateful to you for. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. You are such an amazing gift to countless people all over the world. I hope that in some small way my photos capture some of your strong, courageous, gracious, loving, fun, and generous spirit enough that people who aren’t lucky enough to know you personally can share in the miracle that you are. WMC
Much love to you always,
Jenny
CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS
To my friend Gloria, whose friendship grew out of our meeting at the 1977 National Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas, and whose invitation for me to serve on the board of the Ms. Foundation changed my life:
I cherish the times that we have spent together at the Ms. Foundation board meetings and dinners in New York, the marches we have participated in, and the moments we have shared throughout our careers. Gloria Steinem, you are absolutely the most significant leader who set the Women’s Movement on the right course in this country. You inspired women to value themselves in unprecedented ways. You so ably articulated and demonstrated women’s absolute right to equality. You are at the forefront of the history of the Women’s Movement and your contributions are etched in stone to be remembered and to continue to be the inspiration for women and girls for generations to come.
I sincerely attribute much of my legislative success to you and what I learned as I reviewed the many unsolicited proposals from women about their lives, their projects, and their dreams that were sent to the Ms. Foundation. I shall never forget those women whose lives were changed because you dared to create a magazine and a foundation to connect with women and tell our stories in ways that had never been done before. WMC
Happy birthday, happy every day!
Your friend for life Maxine!
AMY WHEELER
I’ve learned from Gloria the art of deep listening. When we open ourselves to curiosity about other people, we create a bond of empathy that becomes the foundation of trust. Leadership grows from that foundation. I’ve watched Gloria listen – over dinner with women writers in residence at Hedgebrook, in Q&A’s with packed houses. She turns each situation into a talking circle, gives the other person her full attention – and you watch them come to life. What an amazing gift, to be so fully seen. WMC
Cheers,
Amy
JAMIA WILSON
Gloria Steinem has made a tremendous impact on countless lives. I’m blessed to be just one of the many people Gloria has supported, mentored, and inspired. I will always adore Gloria for teaching me that “the means are the ends” and for embodying courageous and visionary leadership that is rooted in liberation and advancing humanity for generations to come.
Gloria is a trailblazer whose humility, spirit, wisdom, humor, and moral compass are incomparable. Her insistence that next-generation and diverse voices be heard and supported has touched my life in more ways than I can measure. I’m delighted to be celebrating Gloria’s birthday and look forward to many more. Gloria, we salute you! WMC
MARIE C. WILSON
For decades, I have had the privilege of watching Gloria work, not for herself but for the women in our culture with the most access to courage and the least access to resources. She did it when I couldn't believe, in her exhaustion, that she could take another trip, make another speech, show up yet again for the disempowered. Gloria did serious work with humor and charm and delight. And she made a massive difference to women while including men. Truly a gift to the world. WMC
LAUREN WOLFE
I wrote Gloria on the eve of surgery to tell her she is my role model for how to live a full, meaningful life without bearing a child: “I see you as someone who has so many daughters — you are hardly not a mother!”
She replied: “We have a brain and a womb, and we choose how to use either or both. … Our first duty is to give birth to ourselves. Then we can help others give birth to themselves.”
Perfect words then, and forever. WMC
JACKI ZEHNER
Gloria,
I first met you in 1999, while pregnant with my daughter Allie, at an event for the National Council on Women. As I am typing this birthday message to you, she is celebrating her 19th birthday and writing a book on growing up Generation Z. Not only have you been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me these past two decades, but to her as well. Our trip to Zambia together will always be in my heart. Happy Birthday! WMC
Jacki
JULIE ZEILINGER
When I was 16, Gloria learned of the blog for teen feminists I had founded. She invited me to interview her in her home. I had just read Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions and was equally terrified and exhilarated to meet my idol. Gloria immediately put me at ease by wittily answering my questions and graciously offering her time and advice. I am grateful for that experience, thrilled to play a part bringing Gloria's vision of the Women's Media Center to life, and endlessly inspired by her brilliance. WMC
HELEN ZIA
Dearest Gloria, From Day One when I joined you and Robin in the adventure of saving Ms. from advertising, you've embodied strong, unflinching leadership with the epitome of grace and dignity. I will never forget your lightning reflexes in stopping some Trump minion from snapping a selfie with you at the theater performance of Allegiance, then told him he could regain his self-respect if he quit that fascist. It was beautiful, pure Gloria! From you, I’ve learned that feminist leadership can be gracious and non-domineering. You inspire me every day. Happy Birthday, Gloria! Love to you always, Helen Zia WMC