Humanists UK mourns the loss of journalist, author, and women’s rights champion Gloria Steinem, who dedicated her life to championing bodily autonomy and civil liberties.
Throughout her pioneering career as a journalist and co-founder of Ms. magazine, Steinem consistently framed equality through an unapologetically secular and rational lens. An outspoken advocate for progressive causes, she recognised that human progress relies on questioning dogma and dismantling traditional, coercive social hierarchies.
Steinem embraced humanism as an essential pillar of her work, viewing it as fundamentally connected to the fight for bodily autonomy and human rights. In 2012, she was named Humanist of the Year by the American Humanist Association. Reflecting on her worldview, she remarked:
‘I always thought that ‘humanist’ was a good word long before I understood that anyone thought it was a bad word. It seems to me that it means you believe in the great potential and the best of human beings, so I didn’t have to overcome anything to accept this award; it seemed an unmitigated honor. And since the ultra-right wing has tried so hard to make it a bad word – ‘humanist’ has been demonised in much the same way that the word ‘feminist’ has – it seemed especially important to identify as humanist and support humanist groups.’
Her broader commitment to non-religious ethics aligned closely with the work of Humanists UK, particularly in advocating for inclusive education, reproductive freedoms, and equal rights regardless of gender or belief. Steinem consistently emphasised that moral values and empathy belong to human nature rather than religious authority, famously noting during her award address that ‘religion is literally the deepest form of politics in the sense of power structure’.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson paid tribute:
‘Gloria Steinem was a formidable force for human dignity and reason, whose work broke open decades of prejudice and social conformity. She understood that humanism and equality are inextricably linked, showing that a world built on rational thinking and kindness must be one where everyone has the freedom to shape their own life. Her remarkable contribution to global equality and secular values leaves an extraordinary legacy. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.