Gloria Steinem is a leader, spokeswoman, and icon of the feminist movement. Steinem began her career as a journalist, working first as a freelancer and then for New York magazine, where an assignment covering an abortion hearing made her realize how rarely women’s issues were covered as serious news. The experience led her to the women’s movement in 1969, where she began speaking out on race and gender issues both alone and with African-American friends and allies, quickly becoming the public face of the feminist movement. With Betty Friedan and Senator Bella Abzug, Steinem helped lead the 1970 Women’s Strike for Equality. In 1971, she co-founded Ms. magazine, which immediately became a major popular forum for issues affecting women. Steinem went on to co-found a number of vital organizations, including the Women’s Action Alliance, the National Women’s Political Caucus, and the Women’s Media Center, and testified before the Senate for the Equal Rights Amendment. In 2013, Steinem received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She continues to advocate for women’s rights, racial equality, gay rights, and peace with passion and wit.