"Until now, the Women’s Movement has lacked an effective national publication to give voice to its ideas. We have placed our own knowledge and experience at Gloria’s disposal to help shape such a magazine. Ms., like New York, will concern itself with one of the most significant movements of our time."
-Clay Felker, Editors Letter 1972
-Clay Felker, Editors Letter 1972
Gloria’s Living Room
On a summer evening in 1971, Steinem gathered a crowd of women journalists in her living room. Their idea was simple. Launch a magazine completely controlled by and catered to women. The young feminists began to brainstorm. Proposed Titles for Ms. Magazine
Everywoman / Sisters / Lilith Sojourner / Female / A Woman’s Place The First Sex / The Majority “Bimbo.” I think we tried “Bimbo.” On the same principle as “Bitch” or whatever. We did try “Sisters” out on people, and they thought it was about nuns. - Gloria Steinem "We chose Ms. because it could be explained and justified—since “Mister” or “Mr.” doesn’t communicate a man’s marital status, why should women carry “Miss” or “Mrs.,” as if to advertise their availability as mates?" - Letty Cottin Pogerobin |
Ms. staff meeting in June 1972. From left: Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Gloria Steinem, Margaret Sloan-Hunter, Suzanne Levine, Mary Thom, Harriet Lyons, Patricia Carbine, and Ruth Sullivan.
(Photo: Nancy Crampton) |