In 1970, Gloria Steinem was a journalist, a feminist, and a prominent figure in New York’s cultural scene. On April 5, 1970, Associated Press writer Lynn Sherr visited Steinem in her Manhattan home and wrote a feature story titled “Making It Like, Wow.” The article was accompanied by a photo of Steinem and her cat, capturing her in both her personal and professional life. An editor’s note introduced Steinem as a writer who was as much the subject of media attention as she was a writer herself, blending the image of a glamorous socialite with the aspirations of a young woman seeking success in the city. The article painted Steinem as a multifaceted figure—activist, writer, and social presence—whose life was filled with both high-profile events and quiet activism. Steinem, then 34, was a freelance magazine writer and contributing editor to New York and Glamour, and was often seen as the embodiment of the “Everygirl” dream of success. The article described a party where celebrities played parlor games and joked about the number of women who would trade places with her. It also mentioned a Washington press briefing where Defense Secretary Melvin Laird humorously dismissed concerns about Henry Kissinger’s social life, saying, “Not since I found out Gloria Steinem is going out with other men.” Steinem was known for her political activism, including helping bail Black Panthers out of jail and organizing a fundraiser for Cesar Chavez’s grape-pickers. She had also worked for several political campaigns, including those of Eugene McCarthy, Robert Kennedy, and George McGovern, who remained a close friend. Despite her public persona, Steinem balanced her life between high society and social activism. Her datebook included events like the New York Shakespeare Festival and Truman Capote’s Masked Ball, but also visits to welfare projects and meetings for day-care centers. She moved effortlessly between the wealthy and the poor, often wearing the same stylish outfits in both settings. At a dinner for Herman Badillo, Steinem wore a $15 thrift store dress, and she was often seen in her apartment, working on stories while surrounded by political posters and a cat. She dismissed the myth of her being a rich, carefree socialite, emphasizing that she had always worked for her living and bought her clothes off the rack. Steinem’s journey to becoming a prominent voice in feminism and journalism was rooted in her early life. Growing up in house trailers and slums, she worked odd jobs and eventually earned a scholarship to college. Her career began with a political satire magazine, and she gained attention for an exposé on Playboy Bunny life, which launched her into the public eye. Despite the fame, Steinem remained focused on writing about politics and social issues, believing that her work was the only thing that didn’t make her feel guilty. Her influence extended beyond her writing, as she inspired many women to seek power in the world rather than just in personal relationships. Her ability to balance activism, writing, and social life made her a unique and enduring figure in American culture.