Gloria Steinem, the renowned feminist activist, author, and journalist, passed away at the age of 92 on 2nd September 2023. Her death was confirmed by her non-profit organisation and an announcement on her official Instagram account. Steinem, who co-founded Ms. magazine and was pivotal in the feminist movement, had a unique perspective on marriage, having abstained from it until the age of 66.
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In 2000, Steinem married David Bale, the father of actor Christian Bale and a passionate environmentalist and businessman. The couple’s union was relatively short-lived, as David passed away just three years later, in 2003, at the age of 62. Despite her earlier reluctance towards marriage, Steinem’s relationship with Bale marked a significant chapter in her life, redefining her understanding of partnership.
At their wedding in Stillwell, Oklahoma, on 3rd September 2000, the ceremony was officiated by her close friend, Wilma Mankiller, a former chief of the Cherokee Nation. The event was intimate, attended by only a handful of guests, highlighting the personal nature of their commitment. At the ceremony, the couple exchanged modest beaded rings, side-stepping traditional marriage rhetoric. David had expressed his admiration for Steinem, stating, “Those amazing brown eyes just looking back at you… I was completely in love.”
Steinem’s views on marriage transformed through her experiences with David. Prior to their union, she had likened marriage to a form of enslavement, emphasising her belief in independence. It was during a trip with David that she began to rethink her stance, later stating, “Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited.” This marked a significant shift in her philosophy surrounding the institution of marriage.
Following David’s death, Steinem reflected on their relationship and its impact on her life. In a 2015 interview with The New Yorker, she remarked, “I didn’t change, marriage changed.” She noted that earlier in her life, marriage would have compromised her identity and independence. However, she acknowledged the evolution of marriage laws and her newfound ability to engage in a partnership that respected her autonomy.
Through their travels, Steinem found that her connection with David enriched her life. In a 2011 interview with The Guardian, she shared how they complemented each other. While David encouraged her to live in the present, Steinem often found herself looking towards the future. She recognised that their marriage was partially motivated by logistical needs, such as David requiring a visa to remain in the United States, yet it became an empowering bond.
Steinem’s observations on their time together illustrate the depth of their relationship. She recalled how David took an interest in her work and the younger generation of women, often engaging with students and encouraging them to envision futures of leadership. This demonstrated the mutual respect and support that characterised their marriage.
As one of the most prominent figures in the feminist movement, Steinem’s legacy extends beyond her personal life. She devoted her career to advocating for women’s rights and expressing the importance of equal partnerships. Her marriage to David Bale, while brief, provided her with a companionship that transcended traditional definitions of marital roles.
In her passing, Gloria Steinem leaves behind a powerful legacy, exemplifying the strength of unconventional relationships. Her life and work continue to inspire both men and women to challenge societal norms and pursue equality, serving as a testament to her profound influence on contemporary feminism.