The End of an Era: Gloria Steinem’s Lasting Impact on the Outdoors Movement

Gloria Steinem’s passing marks the end of an era for feminism and the outdoors movement. While her legacy is often associated with social justice and equality, a lesser-known aspect of her story deserves attention: her connection to the great outdoors.

Steinem was an avid hiker and nature lover who frequently used outdoor spaces as a backdrop for her activism. She organized wilderness retreats for women, fostering empowerment and community-building in these settings. These experiences had a profound impact on the women who participated, allowing them to break free from societal expectations and find their own voices.

Steinem’s love of the outdoors was deeply tied to her feminist ideals. Recognizing that women’s bodies were often policed and restricted in urban areas, she saw the wilderness as a unique space for freedom and autonomy. By embracing nature, Steinem aimed to reclaim women’s agency and challenge patriarchal norms.

A prime example of this intersection of feminism and environmentalism is Steinem’s 1978 essay “If Men Could Menstruate,” which appeared in Ms. magazine. In it, she argued that menstrual cycles should be celebrated as a symbol of female power rather than stigmatized. This essay touched on the idea that our relationship with nature is deeply intertwined with our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Steinem’s influence extends beyond her writing to experiential education and community-building. Women like Linda Ellerbee, who founded Project Wilderness, have credited Steinem with paving the way for their own work.

However, Steinem’s privileged position as a white, educated woman often overshadowed marginalized voices within the feminist movement. Yet, she was not afraid to confront difficult issues and challenge the status quo. Her willingness to listen to others and amplify their voices is a quality that should be emulated by outdoor leaders today.

As we mourn Steinem’s passing, we must acknowledge her lasting impact on our collective understanding of the outdoors. By exploring the intersections between feminism, environmentalism, and activism, we can create more inclusive spaces for everyone to thrive. This challenge is one that Steinem herself faced, but it remains a pressing issue in building a brighter future.

The Legacy of Gloria Steinem’s Outdoor Activism

Steinem’s love affair with the outdoors was driven by her commitment to social justice. As an activist, she understood that access to nature and public spaces is often denied to marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities. This legacy can be seen in organizations like Outdoor Afro, which aims to increase diversity within the outdoor recreation community.

The Intersection of Feminism and Environmentalism

Steinem’s writing blurred the lines between feminism and environmentalism, recognizing that our relationship with nature is inextricably linked to our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. This perspective remains relevant today as we grapple with issues like climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

By embracing this intersectional approach, outdoor leaders can create spaces that are both inclusive and environmentally conscious. This requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege and bias, just as Steinem did throughout her career.

The Importance of Community Building

Steinem’s emphasis on community-building and experiential education has inspired a new generation of outdoor leaders and activists. By creating spaces for women (and marginalized groups) to connect with each other and with nature, we can foster empowerment, self-discovery, and social change.

As Steinem once said, “The work of women is never done.” Her legacy serves as a reminder that the outdoors movement must continue to prioritize inclusivity, equity, and environmental stewardship in order to build a brighter future for all.