Thank You, Gloria Steinem

“The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day; a movement is only people moving.” —Gloria Steinem

“Gloria will be here today.” Gloria! I was fresh out of college where I studied theater arts and helped get Equal Rights Amendment petitions signed. Now here I was, working on a TV movie about feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Yes, that Gloria. My sister and I were huge fans thanks to my mom’s introduction. Her—and Dad’s—matter-of-fact attitude about equality included “You can do anything you put your mind to,” said with gusto, confidence, and unconditional love (although a detailed map along with that mantra sure would have helped). But the logical, commonsense side of me got it—not as via osmosis but, well, like: of course we are equal and can do anything! And for all to hear that message, Gloria gave her voice and more, more, more. 

I’ve always loved the fact that our March birthdays are just a day (and a few decades) apart. The Gloria in our movie, A Bunny’s Tale, was not far from my age at the time although I don’t remember making that connection then. A young journalist, Gloria Steinem went undercover as a Playboy Bunny and wrote an expose for the now-defunct Show magazine. It was critical to attack this chapter of her life with deserved sensitivity and dignity. Our team worked hard to honor her, from initial contracts to final shot.

If you’ve ever met one of your heroes, you may know the feeling. If you’re like me, you want to keep shut so you don’t say anything stupid, show respect by staying cool like everything is normal. But of course, it’s not. So at the same time, you want to scream out how wonderful she is, how lucky we are to have her, shout “thank you for all of your hard work and inspiration on our behalf!”

That day, she graciously inscribed her new book for me to give to my mother. Now a bestseller, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions was a big deal—it was like having Gloria’s golden words all to yourself. I was so proud: to have had the pleasure to be in her company, to have helped bring her story to light, and then to bring that book to my mom, with words to her in fresh ink from Gloria’s hand.

For Gloria Steinem’s most recent book, The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off!, go here.

—Hillary Black, Editor, Force For Good